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If you’re opening a business or managing a building, you’ve probably seen those exit signs with little lights attached (emergency lamp heads) above doorways. Those are combo units — compact, code-compliant fixtures that make inspections smoother and keep egress paths lit when it matters (during power outages or emergencies).

What Are Combo Units?

An exit/emergency combo unit (also called a combination exit sign and emergency light) is a single device that serves two vital life-safety functions: it clearly marks an exit route (path of egress) and provides emergency lighting during a power failure. In other words, it’s an illuminated exit sign with a built-in battery backup and attached floodlights (emergency lamp heads).

On normal power, the EXIT legend (red or green LEDs) stays lit. During a power outage, the unit automatically switches to its battery backup and powers both the EXIT face and the light heads for at least 90 minutes.

Note: Any code-compliant exit sign or emergency light in the U.S. should be UL 924 listed for code compliance.

Why Use a Combo Unit?

• Convenience: One installation, one wire run, one device to test.
• Space Saving: Perfect for tight corridors, above doorways, and small stair landings.
• Clean Look: Fewer fixtures on the wall for a cleaner, more unified appearance.
• Guaranteed Coverage: Light heads placed right at the exit sign ensure illumination where it’s needed.
• Code Compliance: Easier to meet life-safety requirements with a single, certified (UL-listed) unit.

When Are Combo Units Required?

Building codes and fire safety regulations typically require both illuminated exit signs and emergency egress lighting in most non-residential occupancies. A combo unit provides an easy way to comply with both requirements using one device. You will commonly see combo units in:

• Commercial/Public Buildings: Offices, restaurants, retail stores, clinics, churches, etc.
• Multi-Story Buildings: Especially in stair enclosures (stairwells) and at hallway turns or corridor changes of direction.
• Rooms with No Windows: Interior offices, storage rooms, restrooms — any windowless enclosed space.
• High-Occupancy Venues: Auditoriums, gymnasiums, theaters, etc.
• Permit-Inspected Businesses: Most occupancies beyond one- and two-family dwellings (basically any building that isn’t a private home).

When Are They Not Required?

• Single-Exit Spaces: Very small suites with only one exit that is clearly visible (if the local AHJ allows an exception).
• Private Dwellings: One- and two-family homes, individual apartments, or sleeping rooms not open to the public.
• Generator-Backed Egress: Buildings with emergency circuits on a backup generator that maintain required egress light levels.
• Photoluminescent Exit Signs: Glow-in-the-dark exit signs where listed and properly charged (approved non-electrical alternative).

Choosing the Right Combo

• Lettering: Red or green LEDs (follow local code; NYC requires 8" red letters in a metal exit sign).
• Location: Indoor, wet-location (outdoor use), or hazardous-location (for explosive environments).
• Material: Thermoplastic (budget-friendly), aluminum (architectural), or steel (vandal-resistant for high-abuse areas).
• Features: Remote-capable (supports remote heads), self-testing diagnostics, high-output lamps.
• Budget: UL-listed basic models under $50; premium options available for special code requirements or harsh environments.

Conclusion

Combo units take the guesswork out of life-safety by delivering an illuminated exit sign and emergency lighting together in one battery-backed device. While very small spaces with one clearly visible exit may qualify for exceptions, most commercial occupancies benefit from UL 924-listed combo exit signs that streamline installation and fire inspections.

Need more detail? See the resources below or shop our full collection.

Further reading: Emergency Light Remote Head Buyer's Guide • Combo Unit Compliance & Safety Guide • Top 5 Combo Units