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Exit Sign and Emergency Light Code Finder

Exit Sign and Emergency Light Code Finder

Use our Code-Finder for exit sign and emergency lighting rules that apply to your building and location. Pick an environment (office, school, hospital, warehouse, residential) and a jurisdiction (U.S. baseline, NYC, Chicago, Connecticut, California), and you’ll get a clear, human-readable checklist you can act on. We also included quick tips so you can apply what you learn without getting lost in code language.

Last updated: September 2025

Open Code Finder Overview How the Tool Works National vs. Local Rules By Environment Apply Your Results Testing & Maintenance Next Steps

UL 924 • NFPA 101 • IBC/IFC • OSHA U.S. Nationwide + NYC • Chicago • CT • CA Facility Managers • Electricians • EHS

Quick Picks

What the Tool Shows

  • Baseline U.S. requirements for exit signs and emergency lighting
  • Local differences for NYC, Chicago, Connecticut, and California
  • Environment-specific callouts (office, school, hospital, warehouse, residential)

Why It Helps

  • Explains the rules in plain English—no code book needed
  • Gives you a shareable checklist for your AHJ or project team
  • Reduces rework and speeds up approvals

Handy Extras

Emergency Lighting & Exit Sign Code Finder (U.S.)

Choose an environment and a U.S. location to generate a practical checklist. The tool summarizes national rules and local nuances (NYC, Chicago, Connecticut, California). Always confirm with your AHJ.

Runtime & Load Calculator Exit Sign Type Picker + ROI

Reference overview: United States Fire Codes (summary). This tool is an aid, not a substitute for the adopted code text.

Overview

The Code Finder is a fast way to understand which exit sign and emergency lighting rules apply to your building. Instead of flipping through code books, you’ll pick an environment and location and instantly see a concise checklist based on widely adopted standards—then adjusted for key U.S. jurisdictions with unique twists.

💡 Good to know: Most codes expect emergency lights and exit signs to run for at least 90 minutes on backup power. If you serve a high-risk or high-rise space, local rules may add extra markings or visibility requirements.

How the Code Finder Works

  1. Select an environment. The tool loads environment-specific tips (e.g., low-level hotel signs, hospital generator expectations).
  2. Select a location. We start with national codes and overlay jurisdiction differences (NYC, Chicago, Connecticut, California).
  3. Check options. Toggle high-rise, assembly, hazardous, accessibility, or wet/cold to see additional requirements.
  4. Copy your checklist. Use the “Copy results” button to share with your AHJ or project team.

Use the two calculators as needed: the Runtime & Load Calculator to size battery capacity, and the Exit Sign Type Picker + ROI to weigh wired vs. non-electrical sign options.

National vs. Local Rules (What Changes)

National baseline: NFPA 101 and IBC/IFC set expectations for illumination levels, backup duration, and where signs belong. OSHA reinforces that exit routes are lit and marked in workplaces. From there, cities and states can raise the bar.

  • NYC: Red 8″ letters in metal housings; no tritium for required signs; photoluminescent stair markings in high-rises.
  • Chicago: “Chicago-approved” steel signs in red; metal conduit wiring; photoluminescent and tritium rarely accepted as primary required signs.
  • Connecticut: Follows model codes; red or green letters with good contrast; clear accessibility signage.
  • California: Red or green allowed; hotels add low-level signs; high-rises get luminous path markings; energy-efficient LEDs are the norm.

By Environment (What to Watch)

  • Offices: Signs at doors and turns; ensure a visible line of sight down corridors. High-rises add luminous stair markings where adopted.
  • Schools: Cover corridors, stairs, gyms, cafeterias, theaters. If lights dim for performances, they must auto-restore on alarm.
  • Hospitals: Exit signs and egress lighting usually live on the generator-backed system; batteries bridge the transfer gap.
  • Warehouses: Keep signs visible above/between racking. Daylight-only exemptions are narrow—most facilities still need emergency lights in occupied areas.
  • Residential (R-1/R-2): Signs go in corridors, lobbies, and stairs (not inside individual units). Hotels add low-level signs near the floor.

Apply Your Results (Practical Steps)

  • Map your paths. Walk each egress route and mark where signs and lights are needed. Aim for overlapping pools of light.
  • Mind visibility. Mount signs high, keep strong contrast, and add arrows where the path bends.
  • Plan runtime. Most sites target 90 minutes; adjust for cold temps or longer evacuation times. Use the runtime calculator for quick sizing.
  • Respect local twists. Red 8″ letters in NYC, Chicago-approved steel in Chicago, low-level hotel signs in CA—these details matter.
  • Document. Save the tool’s checklist in your project folder and attach it to submittals for your AHJ.

Testing & Maintenance

  • Monthly: Quick test (~30 s) to confirm lamps work and indicators show normal.
  • Annually: Full 90-minute test (or self-diagnostic cycle) with battery replacements as needed.
  • Recordkeeping: Keep a simple log—date, pass/fail, corrective action. It keeps inspections painless.
💡 Tip: Stock a couple of spare batteries. A five-minute swap beats scrambling on inspection day.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The Code Finder gives you a grounded starting point: national rules plus local nuances, tailored to your building type. Use it to brief your team, size your system with the calculators, and keep a clean paper trail for your AHJ. If you’re unsure on any point, bring your checklist to the local fire marshal and confirm—five minutes now can save weeks later.

  • Run the tool for your environment and location
  • Copy the checklist and attach it to your project notes
  • Use the calculators to validate runtime and sign type choices
  • Set a monthly reminder for the quick test and keep a log