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Best Combo Units for Each Environment

Best Combo Units for Each Environment

Best Combo Units for Each Environment

Choosing the right exit sign with emergency light combo — also known as an exit light combo — ensures both code compliance and occupant safety. But not every space has the same needs. This guide breaks down the best emergency exit sign and light combos for offices, industrial facilities, outdoor locations, and hazardous environments to help you choose with confidence.

Table of Contents

Office Buildings – Thermoplastic Combos

For clean commercial spaces like offices, schools, and clinics, lightweight thermoplastic exit sign and emergency light combos are the ideal solution. These fixtures offer reliable 90-minute emergency runtime and a clean aesthetic that blends well with indoor ceilings and walls.

These units are low-cost, easy to install, and UL 924 compliant. They often feature white flame-retardant housings, snap-together installation, and LED heads to reduce energy usage and maintenance. Their compact size makes them a good fit for tight corridors and reception areas where appearance and footprint matter.

Read our Combo Unit Compliance & Safety Guide

  • ✅ Clean, low-profile designs
  • ✅ Budget-friendly and easy to install
  • ✅ LED technology with test switch
  • ✅ UL 924 and NFPA 101 compliant

Industrial Facilities – Steel or Vandal-Proof Combos

In factories, warehouses, and mechanical rooms, durability is key. For these high-impact environments, we recommend battery backup exit sign and light combos in steel or vandal-resistant enclosures. These models are designed to withstand dust, vibration, and rough handling in industrial settings.

Options include heavy-gauge steel housings, tamper-resistant screws, and gasketed lenses. These units often feature bright LED heads that can illuminate large, open warehouse floors, stairwells, or production zones.

See 5 Most Popular Battery Backup Combos

  • ✅ Reinforced steel or polycarbonate construction
  • ✅ LED lamp heads with high lumen output
  • ✅ UL 924 compliant for egress safety
  • ✅ Built for OSHA and industrial fire code compliance

Outdoor Environments – Wet Location & NEMA 4X

Outdoor walkways, parking garages, and exposed stairwells require weatherproof gear. Choose wet-location rated exit sign/light combos with NEMA 4X or IP66 ratings for maximum durability against rain, humidity, and dust.

These combos have fully sealed, corrosion-resistant housings and may include options like cold-weather battery packs, tamper-proof lens covers, and breather valves. Ideal for use in both cold and coastal climates, they’re a must-have for any exterior-facing application.

Read the Wet Location Combo Buyer’s Guide

  • ✅ NEMA 4X/IP66-rated enclosures
  • ✅ Sealed battery backup and lamp housings
  • ✅ Corrosion and impact-resistant design
  • ✅ Certified for outdoor egress compliance

Hazardous Locations – Explosion-Proof Combos

Combos for flammable gas, vapor, or dust environments must meet strict standards. Use Class I Div 1 & 2 hazardous location combo units with UL 844 and UL 924 listings. These fixtures are designed to contain any internal sparks and prevent ignition.

They feature heavy cast aluminum or fiberglass housings with sealed and threaded conduit entries. These are essential for oil refineries, paint booths, chemical facilities, and grain processing plants.

Full Guide: Hazardous Location Exit Combos

  • ✅ Explosion-proof and flame-sealed housings
  • ✅ Class I Division 1 & 2 compliant
  • ✅ UL 924 + UL 844 listed
  • ✅ Withstands corrosive or high-heat environments

Pro Tip

Final Thoughts

Every facility — whether commercial, industrial, or high-risk — needs reliable, compliant emergency lighting. With the right exit sign and light combo, you’ll not only pass fire inspection but ensure safe egress for every occupant.

Browse All Exit Sign Combos