Working on a Chicago project? Use this practical plan-review guide to choose durable exit signage and emergency lighting, document UL 924 runtime, and assemble a clean submittal that your AHJ can approve without back-and-forth.
Last updated: October 29, 2025
What “Chicago-approved” means in practice
There isn’t a separate, official Chicago listing. In day-to-day project work, the term signals expectations that have emerged through plan review and field inspections. For most projects, reviewers look for durable metal housings, red EXIT legends with correct arrows, UL 924 listing, and batteries sized for the required 90-minute outage duration.
- Durability first: steel or die-cast aluminum fixtures hold up better in schools, transit areas, and garages.
- Clear wayfinding: red EXIT letters and accurate chevrons reduce hesitation at decision points.
- Simple testing: local push-to-test plus LED status indicators make monthly/annual checks straightforward.
- Environment match: use wet-location or cold-weather options where the site demands them.
Treat “Chicago-approved” as a shorthand for “robust, inspection-friendly egress equipment appropriate to the space.” When unsure, ask the AHJ and include the reply in your submittal packet.
Egress lighting fundamentals for Chicago jobs
Egress lighting is about visibility and certainty during an outage. Corridor runs, intersections, stairwells, and exit discharge points all need attention. A good plan balances fixture count with uniformity, aiming, and maintainability.
- Uniformity matters: avoid “bright-dark-bright” patterns in long corridors by staggering head locations.
- Critical nodes: stairs, doors, and turns deserve additional coverage—document how these are lit.
- Ceiling height & surface reflectance: higher ceilings and darker finishes may require closer spacing or higher-output heads.
- Sightlines for signs: EXIT legends should be visible along the approach; add chevrons where the path changes.
Many teams start with manufacturer photometrics, then verify on drawings. Keep notes with assumptions (ceiling height, reflectance) so reviewers understand your basis of design.
Exit signs: selection & documentation
For exit signage on Chicago projects, favor metal cabinets (steel or die-cast aluminum), red legends, universal 120/277 V input, and field-applied arrows. Choose single- or double-face configurations based on traffic. If vandalism or impact is likely, specify tamper-resistant hardware and thicker lenses.
Deep-dive selection advice, including arrow conventions and notes you can paste into your fixture schedule, is covered here: Chicago-Approved Exit Signs: Requirements, Options & Submittal Checklist.
Emergency lights: spacing & verification
Emergency lights provide the foot-candles that make egress routes usable during outages. Focus on aiming, uniformity, and coverage of stairs, turns, and larger open spaces. Where temperatures vary widely or moisture is present, use cold-weather and wet-location models.
- Aiming: point one head to near field (10–15 ft) and one to far field (20–30 ft) in long corridors; adjust after a quick walkthrough.
- Open areas: supplement corridor fixtures with higher-output or additional heads to avoid “dead islands.”
- Verification: note your spacing logic in submittals; add a sketch for stairwells showing tread coverage.
For spacing methods and common inspection misses, see Chicago-Approved Emergency Lights: Specs, Spacing & Common Inspection Fails.
When to use exit-light combo units
Combo units combine an EXIT legend and two emergency heads on the same backplate—simplifying wiring and reducing penetrations. They shine at doors, intersections, and tight spaces where a separate wall pack would clutter sightlines or be hard to aim.
- Pros: fewer junction boxes, cleaner schedules, coordinated legend + illuminance at decision points.
- Watchouts: confirm that head output and beam spread cover both the landing and the approach; mind remote-head loading if the unit is remote-capable.
Selection strategies and examples: Chicago-Approved Exit & Emergency Combos: When to Use Them.
Wet-location, parking garages & exterior egress
Where moisture, wind-driven rain, or washing is expected—parking garages, exterior stairs, or exposed vestibules—specify wet-location equipment with gasketed housings and sealed entries. For heavy abuse or exposure, look for impact-resistant lenses and tamper-resistant hardware.
- Ratings: match NEMA/IP ratings to the environment; seal conduit entries to maintain enclosure integrity.
- Temperature: select cold-weather packages if the ambient dips below the battery’s comfort range.
- Maintenance: locate units so staff can safely access test switches and indicators.
Detailed guidance on ratings, mounting strategies, and field troubleshooting: Wet-Location in Chicago: NEMA/IP Ratings, Mounting, and Field Troubleshooting.
Power, circuits & battery considerations
Most equipment runs on 120/277 VAC with integral batteries sized for 90 minutes. Tie life-safety loads to an unswitched circuit ahead of local switches, or use listed lock-on devices. If using remote-capable units, document remote wattage, conductor sizes, and run lengths to control voltage drop.
- Battery chemistries: sealed lead-acid and Ni-Cd are common; verify temperature windows and recharge times.
- Self-testing: where permitted, self-diagnostics automate monthly/annual checks—staff still verify indicators.
- Central inverters: if used, coordinate transfer times and circuiting; label branch circuits clearly on drawings.
Installation & mounting specifics
Mount over supported boxes, close unused knockouts, and align legends with approach sightlines. On stair towers, aim one head at treads and another at the landing. Use listed fittings to maintain wet-location ratings. Where vandalism is a concern, use security screws and backplates that resist prying.
- Arrows: apply left/right/double chevrons to match life-safety plans, especially at T-intersections.
- Coordination: share device heights and clearances with other trades (sprinklers, signage, access panels).
- Commissioning: perform and record an initial push-to-test at turnover; correct mis-aimed heads immediately.
Plan-review submittal checklist
Organized documentation speeds review and reduces RFIs. Include:
- Cut sheets highlighting UL 924, battery type, and 90-minute duration.
- Fixture schedule with part numbers, voltage, face count, legend color, arrows, options.
- Egress drawings showing device locations, head aiming, stairs/doors/turns coverage.
- Photometric basis or spacing notes with ceiling height and surface assumptions.
- Environment notes calling out wet-location or cold-weather models as needed.
- One-line and circuiting for the emergency branch and any remote-head loading.
- Maintenance plan describing monthly function and annual 90-minute tests and the logging method.
- AHJ correspondence—include clarifications or approvals that guided your selections.
Maintenance, testing & recordkeeping
Reliability depends on routine checks. Adopt a calendar for monthly function tests and one annual 90-minute discharge. If using self-testing electronics, staff still confirm indicators and record outcomes.
- Monthly: push-to-test; verify legends illuminate and heads are aimed correctly; note damage or obstructions.
- Annually: perform a full 90-minute discharge; confirm recharge within the specified window; replace batteries proactively when capacity fades.
- Logs: keep a simple binder or digital log by floor/room to speed inspections.
Common pitfalls that delay approval
- Specifying non-metal cabinets where durability is expected.
- Forgetting wet-location or cold-weather ratings in garages and exterior stairs.
- Under-lighting stairs, turns, or large open areas by copying corridor spacing.
- Incorrect chevrons at decision points; missing double-arrow at T-intersections.
- Remote-head loads that exceed available wattage; voltage-drop issues on long runs.
- Missing monthly/annual test records at inspection.
Further resources
FAQ
Is “Chicago-approved” an official certification?
No. It’s a practical shorthand. In reviews and inspections, teams expect UL 924 listing, metal housings, red legends, and a reliable 90-minute battery—matched to the environment.
Can combo units replace separate exit signs and emergency lights?
Often, yes—especially at doors and intersections. Confirm head coverage and, if remote-capable, ensure remote loads stay within limits.
Do garages and exterior stairs need different equipment?
Yes. Use wet-location, gasketed models and add cold-weather options when ambient temperatures demand it.
What documentation helps speed approval?
Clear cut sheets, a tidy fixture schedule, egress drawings with aiming notes, environment callouts, and a simple maintenance plan. Include any AHJ clarifications.