Quick Picks

Why Combos Matter

Emergency exit lighting is not just a building feature—it’s a code-driven life-safety system. Combining the EXIT legend and emergency lamp heads in one UL 924–listed fixture reduces device count, streamlines wiring, and simplifies testing, while keeping egress paths visible during outages. Facility teams often call these all-in-1 exit signs or 2-in-1 exit signs because they unify two life-safety functions into a single, code-ready unit.

Combo Units vs. Standalone Exit Signs and Emergency Lights

Combos integrate an exit sign with adjustable emergency heads, delivering both wayfinding and code-required illumination from a single point. That means one circuit, one battery pack, and fewer wall penetrations. For many contractors, installing a single 2-in-1 exit sign saves significant labor and ensures a neater appearance on walls and ceilings. These all-in-one solutions also reduce the number of batteries to test and replace during annual inspections.

Standalone sign + separate emergency lights still make sense in large spaces (warehouses, atriums) where lamp heads must be placed independently for coverage or higher mounting heights. In these scenarios, a dedicated exit sign may be paired with remote-capable emergency lights to extend coverage. Facility managers often blend approaches—using combos in corridors and above doors, while deploying standalone high-output emergency lights in expansive open areas where a single combo unit cannot meet foot-candle requirements. The flexibility to choose between these approaches ensures both compliance and cost-efficiency.

Further Reading: When Exit & Emergency Combo Units Are Required

Chicago: Exceedingly Durable and Bright Exit Lighting

• Red letters on a white background only
• Metal housings required (e.g., steel)
• High-output emergency heads (often 12W+) to meet local illumination
• UL 924 listing and Chicago-specific approval label required

New York City: Bigger, Brighter Signs with Strict Specs

• 8-inch tall red letters with 1-inch stroke
• Metal housing only — no plastic signs
• Must be electrically illuminated — no photoluminescent or tritium for required exits
• Minimum brightness of 5 foot-candles on face
• Codified in 2008 under Local Law 26
• Battery backup must activate within 10 seconds

Connecticut: State Code Highlights

• IBC/NFPA standards enforced statewide; combos must meet UL 924.
• Red or green lettering permitted if high contrast is maintained.
• Accessible exits must display the ISA wheelchair symbol for clarity.

While Connecticut largely follows national codes, inspectors often emphasize accessibility and visibility. For many facilities, using all-in-1 exit signs with integrated emergency lights simplifies meeting these expectations. Schools, healthcare facilities, and municipal buildings often prefer 2-in-1 units for easier testing and reduced maintenance, especially where staff resources are limited.

Hazardous Location Basics

In facilities with flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers, standard electrical fixtures may pose ignition risks. Hazardous-location combo units use sealed, spark-contained enclosures to prevent ignition—commonly referred to as “explosion-proof.”

Hazard Classes & Divisions: Class I (gases), Class II (dust), Class III (fibers); Division 1 = frequent exposure, Division 2 = occasional exposure.

Choosing the Right Rating: Match the space classification to the unit’s listing. Hazardous Location exit sign combos are required in spray booths, refineries, fuel storage, and similar areas.

Further Reading: Explosion-Proof Exit & Emergency Light Combo Buyer’s Guide

Housing Material Options

Housing materials drive durability, aesthetics, and local compliance:

• Thermoplastic: Light, economical; best for standard indoor use.
• Die-Cast Aluminum: Durable, architectural; widely accepted by codes. View aluminum combos.
• Steel: Heavy-duty; ideal for harsh or high-abuse environments and jurisdictions like Chicago.

Battery Backup & Self-Testing

Battery Backup: All compliant units must provide 90 minutes of emergency illumination during power outages. Shop battery backup combos.

Self-Testing: Diagnostic models automate monthly (30-sec) and annual (90-min) tests and annunciate pass/fail with LEDs—reducing inspection labor. Browse self-testing options.

Dry vs. Wet Location Ratings

Match the unit’s environmental rating to site conditions:

• Dry Location: Indoor-only spaces (offices, retail).
• Damp Location: High-humidity interiors or covered exterior areas. See damp-rated combos.
• Wet Location: Direct rain/spray or wash-downs. Explore wet-rated units.

If unsure, choose wet-rated—safe for all conditions.

Conclusion

Combo exit sign/emergency light units simplify code compliance and reduce install complexity. These all-in-1 exit signs combine two critical functions in one device, lowering installation costs and streamlining maintenance. Whether you call them “2-in-1 exit signs” or combo units, they provide reliable UL 924–listed performance that inspectors recognize and facility managers trust. For most corridors, stairwells, and exit doors, a properly rated combo fixture can meet both signage and lighting requirements on its own.

That said, no two facilities are the same. Larger warehouses, theaters, and healthcare facilities may still require supplemental standalone lighting to meet minimum illumination levels along extended paths of egress. Always consult your AHJ and design team to ensure layouts balance efficiency with code compliance. With the right mix of combo and standalone solutions, you’ll keep egress paths safe while managing costs effectively.

Explore our full combo selection to find options for standard offices, code-heavy jurisdictions like NYC/Chicago, hazardous environments, or wet-location installs.

Further Reading: The 5 Most Popular Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos

Download Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combo Compliance and Safety Guide (PDF)