This modern, budget-friendly edge-lit LED exit sign uses a crystal-clear acrylic panel to “float” a red or green EXIT legend for a clean architectural look. Despite the slim profile, it’s fully UL 924 listed with 90-minute battery backup for reliable egress lighting. If you’re standardizing across a facility, start with our Edge-Lit Exit Signs collection, or narrow by Red Letter Exit Signs and Green Letter Exit Signs to match local code or design preferences.
Last updated: August 2025
Overview: What Makes Edge-Lit “Economy” a Smart Choice
The economy edge-lit category delivers the minimalist, “floating” EXIT aesthetic at a price point suitable for standard commercial interiors. The PELX Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign pairs a low-profile thermoplastic housing with a clear acrylic panel that illuminates evenly across the legend. It’s built for straightforward installs, ships ready for universal mounting (top, end, or back), and includes everything needed to configure a single- or double-face sign on site. Emergency models add a dependable 90-minute Ni-Cd battery for UL 924 runtime.
- Architectural look without architectural pricing.
- Field-selectable legend color (red or green) reduces SKU complexity.
- Universal mount & universal face configuration simplify stocking and change orders.
- Damp location listed for typical indoor environments.
Illumination: Field-Selectable Red/Green, Even Edge-Lighting
Edge-lighting places long-life LEDs along the acrylic’s edge so the EXIT legend glows evenly, with no “hot spots.” The PELX ships with a dual-color LED module so you choose the legend color at install. This flexibility is invaluable for contractors: one box covers either red or green code requirements without extra ordering.
- Red or Green selection during installation (no separate model needed).
- Universal single/double-face panel ships with silver mylar backer for single-face applications.
- Directional chevrons (field-applied) with an installation template for clean alignment.
Result: consistent, glare-free visibility along egress paths, with the design latitude to match interiors and wayfinding.
Electrical & Battery Backup: UL 924-Ready
The PELX is engineered for reliable emergency switchover and code-required runtime:
- Dual-voltage input (120/277 VAC) with status LED and push-to-test for quick checks.
- 3.6 V Ni-Cd battery (EM models) delivers ≥ 90 minutes of illumination during outages.
- Solid-state transfer and two-rate charger with typical 24-hour recharge time.
- SPV option accepts 208/220/240 VAC when your building power requires it.
These features align with the performance criteria in UL 924 and the operational expectations in NFPA 101 and the NEC, so your sign behaves predictably under real-world conditions.
Mounting: Universal Surface or Recessed (PREL-KIT)
Every PELX includes an EZ-snap canopy to support top, end, or back mounting for surface installs. That covers the majority of corridor and stair applications with minimal parts. If you need a flush ceiling look, add the PREL-KIT field conversion accessory to create a recessed edge-lit sign with bar hangers and a detachable trim ring for service from below.
- Surface mount: ceiling (top), flag (end), or wall (back).
- Recessed mount: PREL-KIT enables T-bar or drywall integration; trim removable from below.
- Universal plate & light weight speed single-tech installation.
Tip for contractors: stock the surface model plus a small quantity of PREL-KITs, and you’ll cover most architectural preferences without swapping SKUs mid-project.
Construction: Thermoplastic Housing & Clear Acrylic Panel
The main housing is 5 VA flame-retardant thermoplastic in white, black, or silver. It resists discoloration and impact in typical commercial interiors. The clear acrylic panel is UV-stabilized and laser-etched for crisp legend edges and uniform brightness, whether configured single- or double-face.
- Low profile keeps the sign unobtrusive in finished spaces.
- Chevron kit & template included for code-compliant directional marking.
- Damp location listed for 0 °C–50 °C indoor environments.
Because the panel is transparent, the EXIT mark reads cleanly when energized and visually “disappears” into the background when not, preserving interior sightlines.
Options & Accessories: SDT, SPV, Custom Legends
- PREL-KIT — Field conversion kit for recessed/flush ceiling installs (T-bar or drywall).
- SDT — Self-diagnostic testing module automates monthly (~30s) and annual (90-min) checks and indicates status, reducing labor.
- SPV — Special input voltage (208/220/240 VAC) when dual-voltage 120/277 VAC isn’t available.
- Custom legends/wording — Factory quotes available while maintaining listing integrity.
Pair the PELX with exit sign & emergency light combo units at stair discharge or long corridors if you need both signage and illumination in the same location.
Use Cases & Environments
- Offices & retail: clean, modern aesthetic without distracting from finishes.
- Schools & universities: universal mounting simplifies mixed ceiling and wall conditions across buildings.
- Healthcare: low profile with self-test option (SDT) to streamline compliance logs.
- Hospitality: recessed option (PREL-KIT) preserves ceiling lines in public areas.
- Light industrial: damp-location listing suits vestibules and conditioned spaces; use wet-location fixtures at exterior discharge.
Comparison: Edge-Lit vs. Other UL 924 Exit Sign Types
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Type | Best For | Look & Profile | Install & Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge-Lit (PELX) | Aesthetics on a budget; offices, retail, schools | Clear acrylic; slim; “floating” legend | Universal mount; recessed kit; red/green selectable | Economical architectural look |
| Thermoplastic “box” | Lowest cost; back-of-house corridors | Deeper housing; utilitarian | Many self-test/remote-capable options | Great value where appearance is secondary |
| Die-cast/Steel | Rough service; higher temp; transit/gym | Metal housing; durable | Tamper-resistant, guards available | Higher cost; premium durability |
| Recessed edge-lit | Premium interiors; clean ceilings | Nearly flush; minimal visible frame | Requires ceiling access & kit | PELX + PREL-KIT achieves this look |
| Photoluminescent | No power available; sustainability | Opaque face; glows after charging | Needs code-required ambient light | Zero energy/maintenance; verify viewing distance |
| Tritium (self-luminous) | Inconsistent lighting; remote areas | Always glowing; no wiring | End-of-life recycling required | 10–20-year life; no charging needed |
| Exit/Light Combo | Signage + illumination at one point | Larger housing with lamp heads | Self-test; remote-capable options | Ideal at stair discharge/egress doors |
Bottom Line
If your priority is a clean, modern look with dependable compliance, PELX hits the sweet spot. Choose thermoplastic box signs for the lowest installed cost, metal-housed signs for abuse resistance, photoluminescent/tritium where running power is difficult, and combos where you need EXIT + illumination in one unit.
Compliance, Warranty & Documentation
- UL 924 listed for emergency egress use; damp location rated (0 °C–50 °C).
- Meets NFPA 101, NEC, OSHA, and CEC Title 20 requirements.
- 5-year warranty on housing & electronics; battery pro-rated 5 years.
Download PELX Exit Sign Spec Sheet (PDF)
Submittal tip: Attach the spec sheet to your plan set and note legend color (red/green), face configuration (single/double), and mounting method (surface/recessed) to reduce RFIs.
Quick Specs & Dimensions
- Legend: Field-selectable red or green LEDs; universal single/double-face panel; directional chevrons (field-applied).
- Input: 120/277 VAC (SPV option for 208/220/240 VAC). Status LED & push-to-test.
- Battery: 3.6 V Ni-Cd (EM models), 90-minute backup, solid-state transfer, two-rate charger.
- Mounting: EZ-snap canopy for top/end/back surface mounting; PREL-KIT for recessed ceiling.
- Construction: 5 VA flame-retardant thermoplastic (white/black/silver); clear UV-stabilized acrylic panel.
- Listings: UL 924; damp location 0 °C–50 °C; NFPA 101/NEC/OSHA; CEC Title 20.
- Dimensions: Surface — 12.06" W × 9.50" H × 2.63" D | Recessed — 15.79" W × 11.18" H × 4.13" D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose between red and green EXIT legends?
Yes. The PELX ships with a dual-color LED module so you can select red or green during installation.
Is this model available in both surface and recessed versions?
Yes. Surface mounting is standard with the included canopy, and the PREL-KIT accessory converts the unit for recessed ceiling installs.
Does it support emergency backup lighting?
Yes. Emergency models include a 3.6 V Ni-Cd battery that provides a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination during power loss.
What mounting options are included?
The package includes the EZ-snap canopy for top, end, or back mounting. Recessed configurations ship with bar hangers and a detachable trim ring.
Can it be used in damp locations?
Yes. The PELX is UL 924 listed for damp locations and meets NFPA 101, NEC, OSHA, and CEC Title 20 standards.