Edge-Lit Exit Sign Buyers Guide

Mounting Options

Edge-lit exit signs offer versatile mounting configurations to suit different building needs. Most models are "universal mount," meaning the same sign can be surface-mounted on a ceiling, wall, or even from the end (flag-style) using an included canopy or bracket. This allows installation above doorways (ceiling mount), on walls, or projecting out from a wall for side visibility. Some edge-lit units also support recessed mounting, where the housing is hidden inside the ceiling or wall, leaving only the illuminated panel visible for a clean, flush look. The ability to recess the sign gives one of the most streamlined appearances possible, as no bulky housing is exposed.

Typical edge-lit signs come with all necessary hardware for various mounting methods. For surface installations, a low-profile canopy attaches to standard electrical junction boxes, allowing the sign to be mounted securely on either a wall or ceiling. The sign's acrylic panel may be fixed in a particular orientation or adjustable in angle, depending on the model (some have a rotating or pivoting panel design to accommodate sloped ceilings or other unique mounting situations). For recessed mounts, the sign usually includes an alloy housing that sits above the ceiling tile or inside the wall, often with spring clips or mounting bars to hold it in place. There are also pendant kits available for certain edge-lit signs, which allow the sign to hang down from high ceilings on a rod or chain - useful in areas with high or vaulted ceilings.

Edge-lit signs can be ordered in single-face or double-face configurations. Single-face versions display "EXIT" on one side (for mounting on walls), whereas double-face signs have the legend visible from both sides - often accomplished by using a mirror-like divider in the center of the acrylic panel. All mounting options include provisions for adding or removing chevrons (directional arrows) on the panel, allowing installers to indicate the direction of the exit if needed. In summary, whether you need to surface-mount an exit sign on a wall, hang it from a ceiling, or embed it within the ceiling for a seamless look, edge-lit models have an option to fit the application.

Red vs. Green Edge-Lit Signs

An important consideration when choosing an edge-lit exit sign is the letter color - typically red or green. The choice between red or green EXIT letters is not just aesthetic; it's often determined by local building codes and visibility needs. Federal regulations (OSHA and NFPA) do not mandate a specific color nationally, requiring only that the sign's color be distinct and easily visible. This leaves the decision to state and municipal codes. In most of the United States, either red or green letters are permitted, but some jurisdictions have preferences or requirements. For example, as of this writing, only three U.S. states explicitly require red exit signs (Illinois, South Carolina, and Rhode Island), and two states require green (Maryland and Utah); the rest allow either color or leave it to local authorities. There are even unusual cases like Helena, Montana, which allows orange lettering.

Visibility and Psychology: Green exit signs tend to be more visible in dark or smoky conditions and are associated with "go" or safety, which can encourage a calm evacuation. Studies note that green letters reflect better in darkness or smoke, enhancing visibility during power outages or fires. Red signs, on the other hand, have a long tradition and can stand out in well-lit environments (high ambient light) where green might appear washed out. However, red is also a color associated with "stop," and some safety experts point out that red-lit signs are less visible from a distance than green, especially in large open spaces. This is why many modern high-rise buildings and airports have trended toward green exit signage, as the green color remains discernible over longer distances and in varied conditions.

When deciding between red or green edge-lit signs, always check your local fire code or ask the fire marshal what color is acceptable or preferred. In some cases (like hospitals or theaters), building owners opt for green signs to provide a less anxiety-provoking appearance (green being perceived as a calm, "safety" color). In other cases, if the area is brightly lit or if red is the mandated color by code, red signs will be the appropriate choice. The good news is that edge-lit signs are available in both colors (and some models even offer field-selectable red or green by swapping panels), so you can comply with regulations and optimize visibility. The key is to ensure whichever color you choose, the letters have high contrast against their background and meet the code requirements for illumination.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Edge-lit exit signs must meet the same safety codes as any other exit sign. The governing standards include the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 924. Here are some key compliance points to know:

• Lettering Requirements: By law, every exit sign must have letters at least 6 inches high, with a stroke width of 3/4 inch, typically spelling "EXIT" in a legible font. The sign's color should be a distinct, high-contrast hue (usually red or green) and remain continuously illuminated whenever the building is occupied. OSHA specifically requires that an exit sign's face be illuminated to a surface brightness of at least 5 foot-candles in normal and emergency operation.
• Electrical Standards (UL 924): Virtually all commercial exit signs, including edge-lit models, are tested to the UL 924 standard for emergency lighting. A UL 924 listing ensures the sign provides at least 90 minutes of illumination on battery backup during a power loss, among other electrical and brightness criteria. Edge-lit signs are built with efficient LED light sources and almost all come with dual voltage input (120/277V) for compatibility with building power systems. Battery backup versions include a rechargeable battery (often NiCad or Lithium) to drive the LEDs for a minimum of 90 minutes if power fails, as required by NFPA and OSHA.
• Local Code Variations: Some cities and states impose stricter requirements beyond the national standards. For instance, New York City mandates exit signs with 8-inch tall red letters (1-inch stroke) and requires the housing to be metal (no plastic enclosures), with no pictograms or self-luminous signs allowed. Chicago, similarly, demands robust construction (steel or aluminum housing) and adherence to its local building code for exit signage. Always verify if your locale has amendments-many edge-lit models have special versions (often labeled "NYC Approved" or "Chicago Approved") to meet these stricter standards.
• Other Safety Ratings: Depending on your environment, you may need edge-lit exit signs with additional ratings. Wet-location rated edge-lit signs are available for outdoor or damp areas (with water-resistant construction). For industrial settings with flammable gases or dust, there are Class I Division 2 rated edge-lit exit signs designed for hazardous locations. Likewise, in Canada and other countries using the "running man" pictogram, edge-lit signs must comply with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements and may use a green running man symbol instead of the word EXIT.

In general, when purchasing an edge-lit exit sign, ensure it is UL 924 listed (this will be in the spec sheet) and that it meets any additional state or local code requirements for your building. Reputable suppliers will indicate if a model is NYC-compliant, Chicago-approved, or rated for special conditions. Compliance is critical not only for passing fire inspections but for the safety of occupants in an emergency.

Edge-Lit vs. Standard vs. Combo Exit Signs

Buyers often wonder why they might choose an edge-lit exit sign over a conventional standard LED exit sign or an exit sign combo unit (which combines an EXIT sign with emergency lighting heads). The decision comes down to the specific needs of the application and priorities such as aesthetics, functionality, and cost.

• Aesthetics and Design: Edge-lit signs are considered "architectural grade" and offer a sleek, modern look that standard plastic exit signs cannot match. They use a clear or lightly tinted acrylic panel that appears to "float," with the letters illuminated along the edge. This design is visually appealing and is often the first choice of lighting designers and high-end building projects. In contrast, most standard exit signs have an opaque plastic face and boxy shape. If maintaining a clean, upscale decor is important (in lobbies, offices, hotels, etc.), edge-lit models provide superior aesthetics. They can even be recessed into the ceiling for an ultra-clean look that no traditional sign can compete with.
• Emergency Lighting Capability: One key difference is that standalone edge-lit exit signs typically do not include built-in flashlight-style lamps. Standard "combo" exit signs come with integrated emergency light heads on top or sides of the sign. If your location requires both exit signage and emergency egress illumination, you have a couple of options. You can use separate emergency light units along with edge-lit exit signs, or look for specialized edge-lit combos (which are less common but do exist) that incorporate lighting heads. Many buyers choose edge-lit signs in areas where standalone emergency lights are already in place or where the aesthetic of a combo unit would be undesirable. Combo units, while cost-effective, tend to be bulkier and more utilitarian in appearance.
• Durability and Materials: Edge-lit signs often use higher-end materials like aluminum housings and polycarbonate or acrylic panels, whereas basic exit signs are frequently made from lightweight thermoplastic. The metal construction of many edge-lit models not only looks premium but can be more durable (indeed, some jurisdictions like NYC require metal for added fire resistance). That said, there are also economical edge-lit signs made of thermoplastic, and premium standard signs made of cast aluminum - so material can overlap. Overall, if you need a sturdier sign or one with a premium finish, edge-lit is a strong candidate. For typical commercial applications where cost is a bigger concern than appearance, standard LED signs (plastic or steel) will do the job at a lower price.
• Mounting and Flexibility: Both standard and edge-lit LED exit signs support basic wall and ceiling mounting, but edge-lit units go further with options like recessed installation and field-adjustable panels for slope mounting. If you have a hard-to-fit location or want the sign to be less conspicuous (by recessing it), edge-lit is the better choice. Standard signs generally protrude from the wall/ceiling and cannot be recessed because their design doesn't allow it. Edge-lit signs also usually come with universal mounting kits, whereas some budget standard signs might only support wall mount without an additional canopy kit.

In summary, choose an edge-lit exit sign if you value the upscale look and flexibility it offers, and you don't mind paying a bit more. For utilitarian applications (storage rooms, back-of-house areas) or where budget is very tight, a standard LED exit sign or combo unit might suffice. Often, a building will use a mix: edge-lit signs in public-facing areas and cheaper signs elsewhere to save cost while still meeting code.

Lifespan and Maintenance

Edge-lit exit signs use LED technology, which gives them a very long operational life. In fact, LED exit signs in general are rated to last for many years of continuous use - often 50,000 to 100,000 hours. This equates to roughly 10-11 years or more before the LEDs dim to the point of needing replacement. Many manufacturers advertise that their LED exit signs can run up to 25 years under normal conditions. In practical terms, an edge-lit sign will likely outlast its building's usage of it, as long as it is properly maintained. (To put it in perspective, older incandescent-bulb exit signs would burn out in under a year without bulb changes, whereas LED signs run essentially maintenance-free on the illumination side.)

Most backup batteries (in older units usually nickel-cadmium, in newer units often lithium-based) work on the order of 5-10 years before losing the ability to hold a full charge. Replacing the battery roughly every 5 years is a good practice to ensure it can still provide the full emergency runtime. The signs themselves, however, require very minimal upkeep: you should do the monthly and annual tests (press the test button or let the self-testing circuitry run, to verify the battery and light work), and occasionally clean the unit so dust doesn't accumulate on the panel or sensors.

Thanks to their efficient LEDs, edge-lit signs consume very little electricity - typically on the order of 3 to 5 watts for a double-face model, and even less for single-face. This efficiency means they run cool and aren't prone to heat damage, contributing to their longevity. Many edge-lit exit signs come with a 5-year warranty on electronics and LED strips, which is standard in the industry for exit signage. Some high-end models even offer longer warranties (for example, one edge-lit model in our comparison chart carries a 25-year warranty on the light source). Overall, when you invest in an edge-lit exit sign, you can expect many years of dependable service with very low maintenance requirements, aside from periodic battery replacements.

Cost Difference

Edge-lit exit signs generally cost more upfront than standard LED exit signs or combo units, due to their design and materials. A basic two-face plastic LED exit sign might be priced around $20-$30, whereas a typical edge-lit exit sign often starts around $50 or more. In other words, you might pay roughly 50-150% higher price for edge-lit technology, depending on the model and features. For example, one popular standard LED exit sign retails for about $20, while a comparable edge-lit model from the same supplier starts at about $52. Premium architectural edge-lit signs (with aluminum housing or special finishes) can cost $100 or more.

Why the higher cost? Edge-lit signs use acrylic light guides, precision LED strip assemblies, and often metal housings, which add to manufacturing cost. They also tend to have more complex mounting hardware to allow for recessed or various mounting configurations. Despite the higher initial price, it's worth noting that all LED exit signs - edge-lit or not - are very energy-efficient and have low operating costs. The difference in energy usage between a standard exit sign and an edge-lit is negligible (just a few watts). So the main cost consideration is the upfront fixture price. In terms of lifecycle cost, edge-lit signs' long life and low maintenance can make them a good value in the long run, especially in high-end applications where their benefits shine. But if budget is the primary concern and a basic appearance is acceptable, a standard exit sign will be the more economical choice.

Installation Complexity

A common question is whether edge-lit exit signs are more difficult to install than standard signs. In general, the installation process is very similar and meant to be straightforward for a qualified electrician or maintenance professional. Most edge-lit signs are designed for easy installation, with mounting brackets that attach to a standard electrical junction box and quick-connect wiring. In fact, installing an exit sign is not much more complex than installing a light fixture or wall switch - if you can install those, you can install an exit sign. Edge-lit signs often come with a universal mounting kit (for wall, ceiling, or end mount), which includes a canopy and mounting plate that make the physical attachment simple.

For surface-mounted edge-lit signs, you'll mount the canopy to the junction box (using screws like any light fixture plate), make the electrical connections (typically 120V or 277V AC wires, plus a ground, and battery connector if it's a battery backup model), and then attach the sign's body to the canopy. The sign may have a plug-in connector for the LED power, making it easy to hook up. Recessed edge-lit installations are a bit more involved since you must cut an opening in the ceiling or wall and secure the fixture's enclosure within that space. However, many edge-lit products that are recessed use spring clips or bar hangers to simplify this process. Detailed instructions are provided with the unit, and templates for cut-out sizes are usually included. With careful planning, a recessed mount can be done cleanly - it just requires more coordination than a standard surface mount.

Overall, edge-lit signs are not considered significantly more complex to install than other types. Manufacturers understand that installers value simplicity, so they design edge-lit units to be as "installer-friendly" as possible. The inclusion of features like push-in wire connectors, clearly labeled wires for dual voltage, and test switches that are accessible from the front all help streamline the process. As always, ensure power is off when wiring, and follow all electrical code requirements. If you're retrofitting an older sign, the edge-lit's mounting holes or plate should cover the old footprint in most cases, making for a neat upgrade. In short, with the right tools and basic electrical knowledge, installing an edge-lit exit sign can be done efficiently - it's a task on par with other common electrical installations around the facility.

Hazardous Location Rated Exit Signs

Hazardous location edge-lit exit signs are specifically designed for environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present. These signs are constructed with explosion-proof housings and meet rigorous standards such as UL 844 for Class I Division 1 or Division 2 locations. Common installation areas include oil refineries, chemical plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and grain silos. Edge-lit signs for these environments typically feature sealed die-cast aluminum housings, gasketed lenses, and conduit-ready hubs. Products like the CP-E and CP-EXP series offer 180-minute battery backup and are compliant with Class I, II, and III requirements, offering safety in extreme conditions.

Wet vs. Damp Location Ratings

Edge-lit exit signs are often labeled for either "damp" or "wet" locations-two classifications that reflect their level of protection against moisture exposure. A damp location rating means the sign can withstand humidity or occasional moisture, such as in covered outdoor walkways, parking garages, or indoor spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms. These units are not fully sealed but are resistant to moisture condensation.

A wet location rating, on the other hand, indicates that the sign can be exposed directly to water-rain, splashing, or hose-directed spray. Wet location edge-lit exit signs are ideal for outdoor use without overhangs or in environments where water exposure is frequent. These signs typically feature weather-sealed enclosures, water-resistant gaskets, and corrosion-resistant finishes. Always check the product's IP or NEMA rating to confirm it meets your installation requirements: for example, IP65 or NEMA 4X ratings are common for wet locations. Choosing the correct rating ensures safety, prevents failure, and extends the product's lifespan.

Edge-lit exit signs offer a refined alternative to the standard, boxy exit signs found in many buildings. Instead of opaque plastic or metal faces, edge-lit signs use an illuminated acrylic panel to produce a clean, "floating" EXIT legend.

Summary

Edge-lit exit signs offer a clean, modern look while meeting strict safety and code requirements. With options for universal mounting, red or green lettering, and models that support self-testing or recessed installation, these signs are versatile and efficient. They consume minimal energy, require low maintenance, and can last many years with proper battery upkeep. Whether you're outfitting an office, hospital, school, or high-rise building, edge-lit signs provide dependable performance and enhanced visibility during emergencies.

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