Exit signs are a vital part of building safety systems. In emergencies like fires or power outages, clearly marked exit routes can save lives. Because of their importance, exit signs are required in all commercial, industrial, and public facilities—and they must meet specific safety regulations to be considered compliant. Among the most efficient and widely recommended options today are LED exit signs for their affordability, performance, and reliability.
All our LED exit signs are UL 924 Listed
What Defines an Exit Route?
According to OSHA, an exit route includes any path from a point within a workplace to a place of safety. This includes all access routes to exits, the exits themselves, and the exit discharge path leading to a public way or another safe area.
Exit Sign Design Requirements
To meet safety standards, exit signs must display the word “EXIT” in letters at least six inches tall, with a stroke width of at least 3/4 inch. The lettering must contrast sharply with the background and be made from fire-retardant materials. Some cities, like New York and Chicago, have stricter local codes regarding exit sign materials, letter sizes, and power sources.
Why Choose LED Exit Signs?
LED exit signs are preferred for their brightness, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. They also include a built-in battery backup that ensures the sign stays illuminated for at least 90 minutes during a power outage—an NEC requirement. Unlike paper or outdated incandescent signs, LED models remain visible in dark or smoky conditions.
LED Exit Sign Illumination
Illumination is critical for visibility during emergencies. LEDs replaced incandescent bulbs because they run cooler, consume less energy, and are more compact. This allows for smaller backup batteries that still provide required runtime during outages.
Arrow Accuracy and Directional Compliance
Some exit signs feature arrows or pictograms. It is essential to ensure the arrows point in the correct direction of the nearest exit. Incorrect placement can lead people into dangerous areas or dead ends, undermining the sign’s purpose.
Self-Luminous Exit Signs
If a power source is not available, self-luminous exit signs offer a reliable solution. These models are powered by tritium, a glowing hydrogen gas, and operate continuously without electricity or batteries. They are compliant if they meet a minimum luminance surface value of 0.06 foot-lamberts.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Also known as glow-in-the-dark exit signs, photoluminescent exit signsabsorb ambient light and glow during power loss. To be compliant, they must be illuminated by at least 5 foot-candles (54 lux) and maintain a luminance surface value of 0.06 foot-lamberts. These signs are easy to install and require no wiring or batteries.
Glow In The Dark Exit Signs are easy to install and last up to 25 years.
Note: All non-electric exit signs must still be properly disposed of, especially those containing tritium. Learn about tritium exit sign disposal.
Combo Exit Signs with Emergency Lights
Combination exit signs pair the EXIT lettering with emergency light heads, fulfilling both egress marking and illumination requirements. These units include larger battery systems to power both the sign and the lights for the full 90-minute emergency period.
Exit Sign Placement Guidelines
- Each exit door must be clearly marked with an exit sign.
- If the path to the nearest exit is not obvious, directional signs must be installed.
- Doors along the route that are not exits must be marked with “Not an Exit” or their actual use (e.g., Storage).
- Exit signs must be placed with clear visibility from any direction and not obscured by decorations or structures.
Special City-Specific Regulations
New York City Approved Exit Signs
NYC mandates that exit signs be constructed from metal (steel or aluminum), feature red letters, and include 8-inch-tall characters. Only electrically powered signs are permitted.
Browse Our New York City Exit Signs
Chicago Approved Exit Signs
Chicago exit signs must be approved by the city. Most models must include a white background with red letters on a glass face. Edge-lit exit signs are the only exception allowed without a glass panel, using an acrylic lens instead.
View Our Chicago Approved Exit Signs
Always check with your local inspection office for the latest updates on minimum luminance, material, and power requirements in your area.
Additional Resources: