While browsing emergency lights and exit signs, you may have noticed the term “UL 924 listed”. Without context, this can sound like a generic stamp of approval—but it’s not. UL 924 is a crucial compliance standard that certifies whether a lighting fixture meets the emergency egress and safety codes required across the United States.
Think of UL 924 as a safety blueprint. It outlines exactly how emergency lighting and exit signage should behave when disaster strikes. Whether you're managing a warehouse, school, retail store, or office building, understanding UL 924 helps ensure your facility is safe—and legally compliant.
What Is UL 924?
UL 924 refers to Underwriters Laboratories’ “Standard for Safety of Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment.” UL is a nationally recognized independent testing lab that certifies the safety of electrical products. UL 924 applies specifically to emergency lights, exit signs, and combo units that must function reliably during emergencies.
- Automatically activate during a power failure
- Operate for at least 90 minutes on backup power
- Maintain luminance, legibility, and safety
- Recharge batteries reliably and safely
This standard ensures that your building’s occupants can evacuate safely—whether it’s during a blackout, fire, or other crisis.
Why UL 924 Compliance Matters
UL 924 compliance is not just a box to check—it’s a matter of life safety. In an emergency, people rely on clearly lit exits and illuminated pathways to escape safely. UL 924 ensures that lighting systems are:
- Instantly responsive
- Powered for a full 90 minutes
- Continuously charging when AC power is available
- Visible and easy to read from a distance
Code Fact: The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and IFC both require emergency lighting to last at least 90 minutes after power loss.
UL 924 Requirements for Exit Signs
Exit signs must meet specific readability and performance metrics under UL 924. These include:
- Letter height: 6 inches
- Stroke width: 3/4 inch
- Spacing: at least 3/8 inch
- Luminance: 0.06 foot-lamberts
- Viewable distance: minimum 100 feet
UL Listings Are Required by Law
UL listings are legally mandated in most states and jurisdictions. Here's where UL 924 fits in:
- NFPA 101 & IFC: Require UL 924 compliance explicitly
- OSHA: Requires exit routes and signs to be certified for reliability
- Fire inspections: Often check for UL/ETL marks during building evaluations
Buying UL 924 Listed Fixtures
When purchasing emergency lights or exit signs, make sure they’re labeled for UL 924 compliance. Tips for safe selection:
- Look for the UL (or ETL) label
- Buy from trusted suppliers
- Match your environment (wet location, hazardous, etc.)
- Perform regular tests to stay compliant
All our emergency lights, exit signs, and emergency exit light combo units are UL 924 listed and ready to install with confidence.
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