Designing or renovating in Chicago? This field-tested guide explains what reviewers expect from exit signage—metal housings, red legends, correct chevrons, and UL 924 runtime—plus exactly what to include in your submittal so plan review moves faster.
Last updated: October 29, 2025
What “Chicago‑approved” means for exit signage
There is no separate Chicago listing for exit signs. In practice, reviewers expect UL 924–listed equipment with metal housings (steel or die‑cast aluminum), red EXIT legends, and batteries that support the required 90‑minute duration. Treat “Chicago‑approved” as a shorthand for durable, inspection‑friendly signage suitable for public and commercial occupancies.
- Durability: metal cabinets hold up in schools, transit areas, and garages.
- Clarity: red letters with correct chevrons for unambiguous wayfinding.
- Serviceability: push‑to‑test switch and visible status LED for quick checks.
If a spec is silent on legend color, assume red for Chicago jobs unless the AHJ states otherwise.
Selection checklist: housings, faces & legends
Use this quick checklist when adding exit signs to your schedule:
- Housing material: choose steel or die‑cast aluminum for durability. Metal cabinets resist impact and heat better than light plastics.
- Face count: single‑face for wall‑terminated corridors; double‑face for intersections and open areas. Confirm approach visibility in both directions.
- Legend color: red letters are the Chicago expectation; confirm on drawings.
- Letter size & visibility: coordinate letter height with viewing distance; avoid placement behind doors or soffits.
- Voltage: universal 120/277 VAC input reduces ordering mistakes.
- Options: tamper‑resistant hardware; vandal‑resistant lenses; self‑testing electronics where permitted.
For the lighting that accompanies signage, see our spacing and aiming guidance for luminaires in Chicago‑Approved Emergency Lights: Specs, Spacing & Common Inspection Fails.
Arrow (chevron) rules & placement
Correct chevrons eliminate hesitation. Apply arrows to match your life‑safety plan precisely:
- Left/right arrows: use at turns. A wrong arrow is a frequent cause of punch‑list items.
- Double arrow: at T‑intersections or when the exit can be reached in either direction.
- End‑mounted signs: center in the corridor to maximize sightlines; ensure chevrons remain visible from both approaches.
- Doors & egress discharge: place a sign directly above or adjacent to the egress door; add chevrons to guide around obstacles.
Document chevron choices in your fixture schedule so installers don’t guess in the field.
Electrical & runtime (UL 924)
Exit signs must remain legible during outages. Most models use integral batteries sized for a 90‑minute duration. Where available, self‑testing electronics automate monthly and annual checks, but staff still verify indicators and keep a log.
- Input: 120/277 VAC.
- Battery: sealed lead‑acid or Ni‑Cd; follow manufacturer temperature windows.
- Remote‑capable: if using remote heads from the sign, verify available wattage and conductor size to manage voltage drop.
- Central inverters: coordinate transfer times and circuiting with the electrical one‑line.
If the project includes an emergency generator or central inverter, confirm that exit signs remain continuously illuminated (unswitched) and that transfer time does not interrupt legibility. Where local switches control ambient lighting, place exit signs ahead of switching or use listed lock‑on devices.
Wet‑location & vandal‑resistant options
Garages, exterior stairs, and certain vestibules demand wet‑location or gasketed signage. Seal conduit entries and preserve enclosure ratings. In high‑abuse areas, select impact‑resistant lenses and tamper‑resistant hardware.
For deeper guidance on ratings, mounting, and field troubleshooting in damp or outdoor areas, see Wet‑Location in Chicago: NEMA/IP Ratings, Mounting, and Field Troubleshooting.
Mounting & sightlines
Mounting determines whether occupants actually see the legend. Align the face perpendicular to travel; avoid recesses that create shadows. For stair towers, place signs where they are visible from the top and bottom landings.
- Wall mount: above the door or at corridor intersections; avoid door swings that block visibility.
- Ceiling mount: good for high partitions or glass walls; confirm support framing.
- End mount: useful in corridors with two‑way travel; check clearance from sprinklers and diffusers.
Plan‑review submittal checklist (paste‑ready)
Use this minimal checklist to speed approvals. Drop these bullets into your submittal cover sheet:
- Cut sheets highlight: UL 924 listing, metal housing (steel or die‑cast aluminum), red EXIT legend, 90‑minute battery runtime.
- Fixture schedule fields: manufacturer & part number; input voltage (120/277 V); face count (single/double); legend color (red); chevron orientation; mounting (wall/ceiling/end); options (tamper‑resistant, self‑testing).
- Location drawings show approach sightlines and sign height; include end‑mount callouts.
- Environment notes identify wet‑location or vandal‑resistant models where required.
- Testing/maintenance plan indicates monthly function and annual 90‑minute tests; reference a simple log sheet.
- AHJ clarifications attach emails or notes confirming legend color or any variances.
Maintenance & testing cadence
Consistent checks keep signage reliable. Adopt a calendar for monthly functional tests and one annual 90‑minute discharge. Where allowed, self‑testing electronics automate checks; staff confirm indicators and document outcomes.
- Monthly: push‑to‑test; verify both faces illuminate; confirm chevrons and legends are unobstructed.
- Annually: discharge for 90 minutes; confirm recharge within the specified window; replace batteries proactively when capacity drops.
- Records: keep a log by floor/room with dates, results, and corrective actions.
Common inspection pitfalls—exit signs
- Non‑metal housings used where durability is expected.
- Green legends specified or installed where red is expected.
- Incorrect chevrons at decision points; missing double‑arrow at T‑intersections.
- Legends blocked by door swings, soffits, or signage clutter.
- Missing monthly/annual test records at inspection.
At doors and intersections, some teams prefer an integrated sign + heads. For selection strategies, see Chicago‑Approved Exit & Emergency Combos: When to Use Them.
Specifier notes & example schedule entry
To reduce RFIs, include a clear, copy‑friendly line item in the lighting schedule. Here’s an example you can paste and adapt:
Type ES‑1: EXIT SIGN, UL 924, steel/die‑cast metal housing, red letters, field‑applied chevrons (L/R/D), universal 120/277 V, battery backup 90‑minute, [self‑testing where permitted]. Mounting: [wall/ceiling/end]. Accessories: [tamper‑resistant screws, vandal‑resistant lens]. Finish: [white/black].
Include a note on chevron orientation tied to the life‑safety plan (“Apply left/right/double chevrons to match Sheet LS‑101”) and add a general note stating, “Legend color red unless otherwise directed by AHJ.”
- Coordination: align device heights with signage, sprinklers, and access panels. Indicate any exceptions for glass partitions or high ceilings.
- Substitutions: allow equals with metal housings only; require letter color, face count, and runtime to match.
- Warranty & service: note battery warranty and preferred spare battery stocking for critical facilities.
Field tips from turnover & inspections
Before the final walk, have the installer perform a corridor sweep with a handheld marker plan. Verify that each sign is visible along the approach and that arrows match the intended path of egress. On stair towers, stand at mid‑flight and confirm the legend is not lost behind handrails or landings.
- Labeling: mark device IDs on the backplate or adjacent ceiling tile to match the schedule and test log.
- Push‑to‑test: confirm the test switch is accessible; do not bury behind decorative trim.
- Finish quality: metal cabinets often arrive with protective film—remove fully to avoid adhesive residue.
If your layout changes during punch‑list, update the fixture schedule and drawings—reviewers appreciate accurate as‑builts.
Related resources
FAQ
Is “Chicago‑approved” an official certification for exit signs?
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 a single‑face sign be used at a corridor intersection?
Usually a double‑face is preferred so occupants approaching from either direction have a clear view. Confirm with your AHJ and drawings.
Do garages and exterior stairs require special models?
Yes. Use wet‑location, gasketed signs and consider vandal‑resistant lenses. Seal conduit entries to maintain the enclosure rating.
What documentation helps speed approval?
Clear cut sheets highlighting UL 924 and runtime, a tidy fixture schedule with chevron orientation, location drawings, environment callouts, and a simple maintenance plan.