When safety is on the line, especially during emergencies, having the right signage and lighting can make all the difference. That’s why many building owners and facility managers choose a exit sign with lights—versatile units that provide both clear egress direction and life-saving illumination during a power failure.
Instead of installing a separate exit sign and emergency lighting unit, combo fixtures offer a streamlined, code-compliant solution that saves space, reduces wiring complexity, and ensures proper operation when every second counts. During normal power conditions, the exit sign stays lit to mark the egress route. When the power goes out, the unit’s internal battery automatically switches on the emergency lamps, flooding corridors or stairways with light for at least 90 minutes (as required by UL 924 standards).
Whether you’re equipping a commercial office, a cold-storage warehouse, a refinery, or an outdoor stairwell, the right combo unit is critical for code compliance and occupant safety. Let’s walk through the top 5 bestselling Exit Sign and Emergency Light Combo units available on EmergencyLights.net—each carefully selected to meet specific environmental, legal, or operational needs. From wet-location-rated models to Class I Div 2 hazardous-location units, we’ve got you covered.
Red & Green LED Exit Sign Combo (CEM Series)
The CEM Series Exit Sign Combo is a high-performance, low-profile solution ideal for most indoor commercial applications. Constructed from durable thermoplastic with a flame-retardant 5VA housing, this model features an energy-efficient LED exit sign (available with red or green lettering) coupled with dual adjustable emergency lamp heads. During normal conditions, it clearly marks the exit path; in an outage, its 3.6V Ni-Cd battery automatically kicks in to power the lamps for a full 90 minutes, ensuring uninterrupted visibility. A bi-color LED indicator on the unit (green for normal, red for service alert) and a push-to-test button make it easy to verify that the battery backup is ready when needed.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the CEM combo doesn’t skimp on features. It supports both 120V and 277V AC input for flexible installation. Mounting is made simple with an EZ-snap canopy for ceiling or end mounts, plus a universal knockout backplate for wall mounting. The two LED lamp heads are fully adjustable to target key areas (each head is 0.5W by default, with a High Lumen (HL) 2.0W option available for increased brightness). You can also customize this combo with self-diagnostic testing (SDT), which automatically performs monthly and annual function checks, or choose a remote-capable (RC) version that can drive additional remote emergency light heads for extended coverage.
With its clean, neutral look and reliable operation, the CEM Series combo is a favorite in office buildings, retail stores, and apartment corridors due to its simplicity and proven dependability. It’s even damp-location rated (0°C–40°C), meaning it can handle humid hallways or the occasional drip without issue.
Wet Location Exit Sign & Light Combo (WLCEM Series)
When you need reliable egress lighting in wet or harsh environments, the WLCEM Wet-Location Combo is the go-to choice. Built with a fully gasketed, weather-resistant housing, this unit is UL 924 listed for wet locations and IP66/NEMA 4X rated to resist water ingress. It’s engineered to shrug off rain, humidity, spray-down cleaning, or dust – making it perfect for exterior stairwells, unheated parking garages, warehouse loading docks, commercial kitchens, or anywhere moisture and dirt would quickly ruin a standard unit.
The WLCEM’s enclosure is made of impact-resistant, UV-stabilized polycarbonate (available in white, black, or gray) with a clear gasketed lens that seals out water, so all the electronics stay dry and protected. Each WLCEM combo unit includes an LED-illuminated EXIT sign (field-selectable red or green legend) plus two integrated 1W LED lamp heads. These high-output heads can be spaced up to 18 feet apart at a 7.5 ft mounting height while maintaining a 1 foot-candle path of egress illumination.
The internal maintenance-free battery provides 90+ minutes of emergency lighting. Standard features include a test button, status LED, and universal mounting with a canopy for top or end installation and knockouts for wall mounting. For cold environments, an optional internal heater enables operation down to -20°C. You can also upgrade to a remote-capable (RC) version to power additional lamp heads from one unit, or a tamper-proof (TP) version for added security.
New York City Exit Sign Combo (CNYXTE Series)
When you’re installing emergency signage in New York City, you can’t use just any exit sign—you need one that meets the city’s strict code requirements. The CNYXTE Exit Sign Combo is purpose-built to comply with the NYC Building Code, including the required oversized 8-inch red EXIT letters (versus the standard 6 inches used elsewhere). It’s the go-to solution for NYC commercial spaces, schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
This model features a rugged 20-gauge steel housing with a powder-coated finish in white or black and includes two high-output emergency lamp heads mounted on top. A third lamp head is also included and can be installed on the side, providing comprehensive light coverage in larger spaces or areas with multiple exit paths. These halogen or incandescent-style heads offer strong output, suitable for wide corridors or open areas.
Its internal 6V sealed lead-acid battery provides a reliable 90 minutes of emergency lighting. It recharges in under 24 hours and includes low-voltage disconnect to prevent deep discharge and extend battery life. Optional features include remote capacity to power additional emergency lights and field-selectable directional chevrons.
The CNYXTE combo is NYC Department of Buildings approved, UL 924 listed, and rated for damp locations. It’s factory-configured for wall mounting, with pre-installed keyhole slots and conduit knockouts for easy installation.
Class 1 Division 2 Exit Sign Combo (HLC Series)
In environments with volatile vapors or flammable gases, you can’t take chances with standard electrical equipment. The HLC Series Class 1 Division 2 Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combo is purpose-built for hazardous locations such as chemical plants, oil refineries, paint storage areas, and fueling facilities—anywhere that a spark could pose a serious risk.
This unit features a corrosion-resistant fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate (FRP) enclosure and a UV-stabilized, gasket-sealed clear lens. It’s UL 844 listed for Class I, Div 2, Groups A–D and also complies with UL 924 for emergency lighting. With an IP66 rating, it’s both dust-tight and watertight, ready for installation in the harshest environments.
The internal high-output LED exit sign is available with red or green letters and uses 6-inch characters with a 3/4-inch stroke, meeting egress code standards. Two top-mounted 3.6W LED emergency heads provide ample illumination, delivering up to 350 lumens. The unit can achieve up to 50-foot spacing at standard mounting heights, giving you wide coverage from a single fixture.
Its internal battery (6V or 12V Ni-Cd depending on configuration) powers the system for a minimum of 90 minutes and includes all essential protections like brownout detection, low-voltage disconnect, and solid-state transfer switch. Upgrade options include a self-diagnostic module and cold-weather heater package for freezing temperatures. You can also order a No Head Remote (NHR) version that provides extra power to remote emergency lights elsewhere in the facility.
Steel Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combo (INDCWLEZU Series)
If your facility demands maximum durability and rugged reliability, the INDCWLEZU Steel Combo is a top-tier choice. It’s commonly used in correctional facilities, warehouses, public buildings, transit stations, and other environments prone to abuse, moisture, or vandalism. With its tough-as-nails housing and weatherproof design, it thrives where standard units would quickly fail.
This unit’s housing is constructed from reinforced polycarbonate and features a fully gasketed NEMA 4X / IP66 enclosure. Stainless steel screws and tamper-resistant hardware provide added protection, making it one of the most vandal-proof and corrosion-resistant units available. The enclosure is even NSF-certified for food-safe installations such as commercial kitchens and processing plants.
Internally, the INDCWLEZU combo features a bright LED exit sign (red or green letters) and dual top-mounted MR16 LED emergency lamps. Each lamp is 3.3W and delivers crisp, targeted light through sealed optics. A robust internal Nickel-Cadmium or sealed lead-acid battery provides 90+ minutes of runtime. High-capacity configurations support up to 20.8W of remote lamp heads—ideal for sprawling spaces where you need centralized power.
The unit is field-configurable for chevron direction and supports universal mounting via backplate or canopy. It’s available with self-diagnostics, cold-weather package for -20°C environments, and even a No Head (NH) version for remote-only operation.
Why Combo Units Are Worth It
- Space-Saving: Two functions in one fixture simplifies layout and installation.
- Cost-Effective: Less hardware, faster installs, and simpler maintenance.
- Unified Backup: A single battery powers both sign and lights, improving reliability.
- Code Compliant: All units are UL 924 listed and meet NFPA 101 and OSHA standards.
Need Help Choosing?
Still not sure which combo unit is right for your facility? Our emergency lighting specialists are ready to help. Call or email sales@emergencylights.net with your requirements and we’ll find the perfect fit for your application.
Explore more models in our full Exit Signs collection or check out our dedicated Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose a combo unit vs. separate fixtures?
Choose a combo when you want to save space, reduce installation time, and simplify maintenance. In large buildings with separate exit signs and emergency lights, maintenance costs can increase significantly.
What certifications should I look for?
Always confirm the unit is UL 924 listed. For specific applications, also look for NEMA 4X, NSF, or Class I Div 2 certifications.
How long should a battery backup last?
All compliant models should provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination. Some high-capacity models go longer depending on the load.
Are green or red exit letters better?
That depends on your local code. Red is the national standard, but some states allow or even prefer green for better visibility in smoke or darkness.
What’s important for wet or hazardous locations?
Look for a sealed enclosure with IP66 or NEMA 4X rating. For hazardous areas, you’ll need Class I Div 2 rating to prevent spark ignition.
By choosing the right exit sign/emergency light combo, you’ll ensure peace of mind, compliance, and most importantly—safety when it counts most.