Exit sign & emergency light combos—often called all-in-1 exit signs or 2-in-1 exit signs—deliver clear egress direction and code-required illumination from a single, UL 924–listed fixture. This guide explains how combo exit signs work, when to choose them over separate units, and showcases our top 5 bestselling combo models for indoor, wet-location, NYC, hazardous-location, and heavy-duty use cases. Start here: Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos.
Last updated: September 2025
Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos — Top Picks, Code, and Selection Guide (UL 924)
Quick Picks
Choose by Environment
- Standard indoor: Thermoplastic LED combo exit signs (budget-friendly).
- Wet / Outdoor: Wet-location exit sign combos with IP66 / NEMA 4X.
- Hazardous: Class I Div 2 combo exit signs (UL 844).
- High-abuse: Steel / vandal-resistant combos with MR-16 heads.
Choose by Code
- UL 924: 90-minute runtime minimum.
- NYC: 8" red letters, metal housing, electrically illuminated.
- Spacing: Plan lamp head spacing to achieve target foot-candles.
Why Combos
- One device, two functions (all-in-1).
- Fewer penetrations and simpler wiring.
- Unified testing & maintenance.
Compared with separate exit signs and emergency lights, a combo exit sign streamlines installation, lowers wiring complexity, and consolidates battery maintenance—especially valuable in corridors, over doors, and stair landings where space is tight and inspection routines are frequent.
How Combo Exit Signs Work
Each LED exit sign with emergency lights combines a continuously illuminated EXIT legend with two (or more) adjustable lamp heads. On normal power, the EXIT legend remains lit to mark the egress route. If power fails, an internal charger/ battery stack transfers to emergency mode and the heads switch on for ≥90 minutes (per UL 924), providing code-required path lighting in corridors, stairs, and exit discharge areas.
How to Choose the Right Combo
Match the combo to your environment and code profile. For standard interiors, a thermoplastic, UL 924–listed combo exit sign is often ideal. For wet or washdown areas, specify IP66 / NEMA 4X gasketed housings. In NYC, choose metal housings with 8" red letters. For hazardous locations, require UL 844 with Class/Division ratings (e.g., Class I Div 2). Consider options like self-testing (automates monthly/annual checks), remote-capable (to power extra heads), cold-weather heaters, and high-lumen MR-16 heads for long throws.
Further reading: When Exit & Emergency Combo Units Are Required
Top 5 Bestselling Exit Sign & Light Combos
Red & Green LED Exit Sign Combo (CEM Series)
The CEM Series is a low-profile, thermoplastic combo exit sign for indoor commercial use. A flame-retardant 5VA housing, universal 120/277 V input, and dual adjustable LED heads make it an easy retrofit. The 3.6 V Ni-Cd battery delivers a full 90 minutes, with a bi-color status LED and push-to-test. Options include Self-Diagnostic Testing (SDT) and Remote-Capable (RC) for extra heads—great for turning one all-in-1 exit sign into a micro-system that extends coverage down long corridors.
Wet Location Exit Sign & Light Combo (WLCEM Series)
WLCEM tackles wet / outdoor environments with a gasketed, impact-resistant housing (IP66 / NEMA 4X). A field-selectable red/green EXIT legend pairs with two integrated 1 W LED heads for impressive spacing at 7.5 ft mounting height. The maintenance-free battery supplies 90+ minutes; options include internal heater for cold weather (to −20 °C) and RC for powering remote heads. A strong pick for wet-location exit sign combos in garages, docks, kitchens, and exterior stairs.
New York City Exit Sign Combo (CNYXTE Series)
CNYXTE is built for NYC code: 8" red letters, metal housing, and robust lamp heads for wider throws. A 6 V SLA battery drives ≥90 minutes; remote capacity and chevrons are available. It’s a go-to for NYC schools, hospitals, and public buildings where inspectors expect electrically illuminated metal combos with city approvals.
Class I Division 2 Exit Sign Combo (HLC Series)
HLC is a hazardous-location exit sign combo (UL 844: Class I, Div 2, Groups A–D) with a corrosion-resistant FRP enclosure, IP66 sealing, and two 3.6 W LED heads (up to ~350 lm). It’s paired with UL 924 compliance for egress performance. Options include self-diagnostics, cold-weather kit, and No-Head Remote (NHR) versions to power remote heads where you need extra light but want to minimize enclosures in classified spaces.
Steel Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combo (INDCWLEZU Series)
INDCWLEZU is a high-abuse, NEMA 4X / IP66 combo with sealed MR-16 LED heads, tamper-resistant hardware, and NSF options—excellent for tough industrial and food/transport environments. Higher-capacity builds support remote heads (centralized battery), and field-configurable chevrons simplify orientation changes after install.
Testing & Maintenance
- Monthly: 30-second functional test (manual or self-testing).
- Annually: 90-minute full discharge; log pass/fail and corrective action.
- Lifecycle: Plan battery replacement (Ni-Cd/SLA typical 3–5+ years; follow manufacturer specs).
Self-diagnostic combo exit signs reduce labor by automating checks and surfacing issues via status LEDs (battery fault, charger fault, lamp failure). Still perform visual inspections for damage, chevron accuracy, cleanliness, and that lamp heads remain aimed along the path of egress.
FAQs
When should I pick a combo vs. separate fixtures?
Use a combo exit sign where one device covers signage + illumination (corridors, doors, small rooms). Choose separate fixtures for high-ceilings, long throws, or complex layouts where independent aiming or higher lumen packages are needed.
Which certifications matter most?
UL 924 is mandatory for emergency lighting. Add IP66 / NEMA 4X for wet/washdown, UL 844 Class/Division for hazardous-location exit sign combos, and NYC approvals for New York City.
How do I pick red vs. green letters?
Follow local code. NYC requires red; many jurisdictions allow red or green (choose high-contrast lettering for visibility).
Conclusion
Whether you call them all-in-1 exit signs, 2-in-1 exit signs, or combo exit signs, these integrated fixtures simplify code compliance and boost reliability by uniting two life-safety functions in one device. Select by environment (indoor, wet, hazardous), local code (e.g., NYC), and photometric needs; add self-testing and remote-capable options where they save time and improve coverage.
Browse all Exit Sign & Emergency Light Combos, or explore deeper guides below.
Further reading: When Exit & Emergency Combo Units Are Required • Explosion-Proof Combo Buyer’s Guide
Highlight: Exit sign & emergency light combos cut clutter, save installation time, and provide peace of mind that egress signage and lighting will always work together.