Quick Picks

What Is an Exit Sign?

Exit signs are life-safety markers that remain legible during normal power and emergencies, directing occupants toward exits along the path of egress. Internally illuminated models use LEDs and a charger/battery; non-electrical models include photoluminescent and tritium designs.

In practice, exit signs are part of a system—working with emergency lights, fire alarms, and door hardware to create a reliable, intuitive escape route. The intent is simple: even with smoke, noise, or stress, people should be able to locate the nearest exit at a glance and follow a clear chain of signs all the way to an exterior discharge.

Letter color (red or green) is dictated by local code; what matters universally is contrast and continuous illumination. Internally illuminated models must remain lit at all times and switch to backup power during an outage; photoluminescent and tritium designs remain legible without external power, but still have placement and listing criteria to meet.

Where Are Exit Signs Required?

Building and fire codes require exit signage in most non-residential and multi-occupancy buildings. Exceptions are sometimes allowed where the exit is obvious (e.g., a single room with a clearly visible door) or in very small, low-occupant spaces—always confirm with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Typical placements: at each required exit door; along exit access routes at changes of direction or at corridor intersections; at the top and bottom of stair enclosures; over exit discharge doors leading to the outside; and in large rooms or open-floor areas where the path to the nearest exit may not be immediately apparent. Where a door could be confused for an exit, mark it “Not an Exit” or with its actual use to prevent misdirection.

Mount signs high enough to be seen over occupants and furnishings and avoid locations where decorations, shelving, or new partitions could block sightlines. In long corridors, ensure that at least one sign is always visible ahead—if a bend or a door interrupts the view, provide a sign with a directional arrow before the turn.

Core Code Requirements (OSHA / NFPA 101 / IBC / UL 924)

• Lettering: “EXIT” letters at least 6" high with 3/4" stroke (OSHA 1910.37). Use a contrasting background and avoid any graphics that reduce legibility.
• Illumination: Externally lit faces at ≥ 5 foot-candles; self-luminous/electroluminescent faces allowed per listing. Internally lit electric signs must remain illuminated at all times.
• Power backup: Electric exit signs must switch to an emergency source (integral battery, generator, or inverter) to remain legible for ≥ 90 minutes. UL 924 verifies transfer and runtime.
• Directional chevrons: Provide arrows wherever the route to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent. Use the manufacturer’s knockouts or adjacent wayfinding arrows.
• Placement & visibility: Locate signs so the next sign is visible from any point along the exit access (commonly 100 ft max or within the sign’s listed viewing distance). Install above doors or high on walls to maintain visibility in crowds.
• Durability & listing: Specify UL 924-listed signs. In high-abuse or environmental applications, choose steel, gasketed, or hazardous-location models as appropriate.

Further reading: Understanding UL 924 Listed Emergency Lights & Exit Signs

Good practice: maintain consistent letter color throughout a facility; place signs before decision points (forks, T-intersections); and coordinate with emergency lighting so illuminated beams overlap at the floor, ensuring the sign is visible and the path is lit.

Inspection & Maintenance

Regular inspection and documented testing are required by NFPA 101 and local codes.

• Monthly functional test: Operate for ≥ 30 seconds (self-testing units handle this automatically but still need visual checks).
• Annual full-duration test: Verify 90-minute operation on battery (document pass/fail and corrective actions).
• Visual checks: Confirm indicators, damage, obstructions, and lens cleanliness; re-aim any combo lamp heads.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain written logs for the AHJ.

What to log: date/time, location/ID of the sign, test type (30-sec or 90-min), pass/fail, corrective action taken, and initials of the tester. A simple spreadsheet or bound logbook kept with life-safety documentation will satisfy most inspectors and keeps your team aligned.

Battery lifecycle: plan proactive replacements. Typical service life is ~3–5 years for sealed lead-acid (SLA), ~4–7 years for nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and often longer for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) when supported by the manufacturer. Replace with the same chemistry, voltage, and capacity specified for the fixture.

Common issues: switched or sensor-controlled circuits that cut power to the charger, obscured faces from décor or shelving, missing arrow knock-outs after corridor reconfigurations, or units blocked by new signage. Add life-safety checks to remodel punchlists to catch these.

Self-testing best practices: standardize models across a facility to simplify training; teach staff to interpret diagnostic LEDs/flash codes; and schedule a quick monthly walk-through to verify indicators and cleanliness. For larger campuses, consider grouping circuits to simplify annual 90-minute testing during off-hours.

Further reading: How to Install Emergency Lights and Exit Signs • Emergency Lighting Installation Options

Types of Exit Sign Fixtures

• LED Exit Signs: Long-life, energy-efficient, many with battery backup. Ideal for most interiors; choose thermoplastic for value or metal housings for durability. Browse exit signs.
• Photoluminescent Exit Signs: Glow-in-the-dark, no wiring; require adequate charging light. Great for retrofit and sustainability goals; verify UL 924 listing and charging-light levels. See photoluminescent exit signs.
• Tritium (Self-Luminous) Exit Signs: Always on; no wiring/charging; plan for licensed disposal at end of life. Useful in remote/cold areas where power is unreliable. See tritium exit signs.
• Edge-Lit Exit Signs: Slim, architectural look for design-forward spaces; ceiling or wall mount; ensure arrows match the actual path during install.
• Steel / Metal Exit Signs: Rugged housings for high-abuse areas; often required by certain jurisdictions. View steel exit signs.
• Wet / Hazardous Location Models: Gasketed/IP/NEMA-rated for moisture and chemicals; cold-weather packages maintain battery performance in freezers/outdoor winters. Wet-location exit signs • Hazardous-location exit signs
• Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos: Combine signage and emergency lighting to reduce fixture count. Above doors and at corridor junctions, combos deliver direction and egress illumination from a single device—saving labor, conduit runs, and wall clutter. Exit sign and emergency light combos

Further reading on combos: Combo Compliance & Safety • When Combos Are Required • Explosion-Proof Combos • Best Combos by Environment • Top 5 Combo Units

Local Code Variations (NYC & Chicago)

New York City (NYC): Typically requires 8" red letters, metal housings, and stricter brightness. Electric (internally illuminated) signs are the norm; photoluminescent or tritium units are restricted for required exits. Battery backup must transfer promptly during outages. Always select NYC-approved models and verify current DOB/FDNY guidance before submittals.

City of Chicago: Requires robust construction—commonly 20-gauge steel housings with red letters on a white background. Directional arrows follow prescriptive formatting (often beneath the word “EXIT”). If you specify combo units, ensure lamp head output and distribution meet local emergency lighting expectations. Only Chicago-approved devices will pass inspection.

Explore city-specific categories: NYC Approved Exit Signs • Chicago Approved Exit Signs

Further reading: New York City Exit Sign Requirements

Additional Considerations

• Power & circuitry: Use non-switched, unsensored feeds for self-contained units; coordinate with generators or central inverters if used. Avoid voltage drop on long runs.
• Environment: Match damp/wet or hazardous ratings; apply cold-weather packages for freezers and winter climates.
• Aesthetics vs. abuse: Edge-lit/aluminum for public-facing areas; steel with tamper-resistant hardware for high-abuse zones.
• Lifecycle costs: Self-testing and LED designs cut maintenance; plan for battery replacement intervals and keep spares on hand.

Summary

To stay compliant: use appropriately listed exit signs, meet letter size and illumination rules, ensure visibility and arrows along the path, and test monthly/annually with written records. Ready to compare options? Explore our full selection of exit signs, plus exit sign & emergency light combos and self-testing exit signs.

Download Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Exit Signs – Types, Compliance and Safety (PDF)

Related Resources

• Exit Signs
• Photoluminescent Exit Signs
• Self-Luminous (Tritium) Exit Signs
• Steel Exit Signs
• Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos