This guide explains how a UL 924 listing serves as the national baseline for emergency lights and exit signs, and where New York City and Chicago impose stricter local requirements—so your installs pass plan review and field inspection. Written in plain English for facility managers, contractors, AHJs, and building owners.
Last updated: September 2025
At-a-Glance (When Each Standard Applies)
UL 924 (National Baseline)
- Product safety/listing for exit signs & emergency lights.
- 90-minute emergency operation validated.
- Legibility/illumination verified for egress safety.
New York City (Local Add-Ons)
- 8″ red letters, 1″ stroke; metal housings only.
- Electric, internally lit signs only (no tritium/photolum).
- Higher visibility expectations; maintain bright egress illumination.
Chicago (Local Add-Ons)
- UL 924 required plus local durability/visibility specs.
- Metal faceplate commonly required.
- 90-minute battery operation still mandatory.
Introduction
Across most of the U.S., a UL 924 listing covers the product performance you need for compliant egress lighting. However, NYC and Chicago apply city-level requirements on top of UL 924—especially for exit sign design, materials, legibility, and placement. This guide highlights what changes and how to specify accordingly.
UL 924: National Baseline
- Scope: Exit signs, emergency lights, combos, and related equipment.
- Runtime: Verifies ≥ 90 minutes of emergency operation.
- Legibility/illumination: Ensures readable legends and adequate emergency lighting along egress routes.
- Documentation: Keep listings/cut sheets for submittals and inspections.
New York City: Exit Sign Requirements
- Letters: 8″ red characters, 1″ stroke; consistent red on white/aluminum background.
- Construction: Metal housings (steel/aluminum); plastic not accepted.
- Power: Electrically powered signs required; no self-luminous or photoluminescent signs for exit legends.
- Visibility: Internally lit, high-visibility legends to meet local brightness expectations.
- Where to buy: NYC-approved exit signs.
Chicago: Emergency Lighting Requirements
- Durability: Metal faceplate commonly required for added robustness.
- Runtime: Maintain ≥ 90 minutes of battery illumination.
- Local code prevails: Fixtures must satisfy city specs beyond UL 924.
- Finish: White powder-coat common; custom finishes available.
- Where to buy: Chicago-approved emergency lights.
Comparison Summary (UL vs NYC vs Chicago)
| Feature | UL 924 (National) | NYC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listing/Scope | Product safety & 90-min performance | UL 924 required + city design rules | UL 924 required + city durability/visibility |
| Letters/Color | National legibility standards | 8″ red, 1″ stroke | City specs; verify submittals |
| Housing/Materials | Meets applicable safety/flame ratings | Metal only (no plastic) | Metal faceplate typically required |
| Power/Type | Electrical or listed non-electrical per code | Electrical only (no tritium/PL exit legends) | Electrical; other types per AHJ |
| Runtime | ≥ 90 minutes | ≥ 90 minutes (plus local expectations) | ≥ 90 minutes |
Plan Review & Inspections
- Include UL 924 listings and cut sheets in submittals.
- Call out NYC letter size/color and metal housing on drawings when applicable.
- Show placement, double-face units, and chevrons at decision points.
- Maintain testing logs (monthly function, annual 90-minute) for inspections.
Buying/Spec Tips
- For NYC, select NYC-approved exit signs (8″ red, metal, electric).
- For Chicago, use Chicago-approved lighting with required metal faceplates and city specs.
- Standard UL 924 gear is fine elsewhere—verify local amendments with your AHJ.
FAQ
Is UL 924 enough by itself?
In many jurisdictions, yes. In NYC and Chicago, you must also meet city-specific requirements.
Are non-electrical exit signs allowed?
NYC requires electrically powered exit legends. Chicago requirements vary by application—verify with the AHJ.
What runtime do I need?
≥ 90 minutes of emergency illumination for signs and egress lighting.