Your Complete Guide to International Exit Signs & Safety Standards

Contents

• Overview
• Why Choose International Exit Signs
• Voltage Requirements
• Canadian Exit Signs
• Symbol Requirements
• “Running Man” Exit Signs

Overview

Every industrialized country in the world has their own requirements for Exit Signs used in public, commercial, and industrial facilities. While most of these countries use the IEC (International Electric Code) as the foundation for regulations, each country may have specific interpretations or additions that must also be satisfied.

Why Choose International Exit Signs

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In today’s global economy, with businesses operating facilities around the world, it's critical to meet local compliance standards. This often includes using customized equipment tailored to each region’s needs. International Exit Signs offer a flexible solution that can be adapted to meet these unique requirements.

International exit signs are manufactured to operate on different voltage and hertz configurations.

Voltage Requirements

Countries across the globe use various AC (alternating current) electrical systems. While some operate on 120 VAC, 60 Hz like the U.S., others operate at 110–127 VAC or 220–240 VAC with either 50 or 60 Hz frequency.

For lighting products like Exit Signs, frequency has less impact than voltage. Minor voltage differences (e.g., 220V vs. 240V) only slightly affect brightness. However, using a 120V-rated Exit Sign on a 220V system can cause the unit to fail—possibly with visible sparks and smoke. Conversely, connecting a 220V sign to a 120V source won’t damage it, but the light won’t turn on.

To adapt for international use, transformers are typically swapped to match local voltage, ensuring proper step-down power for batteries and LEDs. Learn more about emergency light voltages here.

In developing countries, unreliable electrical supply is a common issue. Frequent outages and power fluctuations necessitate larger battery capacities in Exit Signs to ensure consistent illumination when power is lost.

Canadian Exit Signs

The 2010 Canadian National Building Code mandates that commercial and public buildings must have illuminated Exit Signs that remain operational during power loss. Our U.S.-compliant Exit Signs are also CSA Listed and fully approved for use in Canada.

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CSA Listed Exit Signs resemble U.S. versions. These internally illuminated signs display “EXIT” or “SORTIE” in high-contrast lettering. Most feature red or green letters against a white or contrasting background for maximum visibility.

Symbol Requirements

The ISO (International Standards Organization) developed the “Running Man” symbol to create a universal graphic for Exit Signs. European countries require this symbol, and Canada adopted it beginning in 2012. Other countries have also begun using the graphic, either on its own or alongside text and directional arrows.

EmergencyLighting.net offers customized International Exit Signs with the appropriate voltage, language, and graphics to ensure compliance across any region.

“Running Man” Exit Signs

Starting in 2012, the ISO “Running Man” symbol became a Canadian standard for new construction Exit Signs. It is typically green and may appear with or without text. Shop Running Man Exit Signs here.

While existing buildings with traditional text-based signs are not required to retrofit immediately, renovations must include updated signage featuring the Running Man.

The 2010 building code also recognizes glow-in-the-dark exit signs as compliant alternatives. These signs absorb light energy and glow in the dark without electricity—charging from as little as 5 lux and glowing when ambient light disappears.

They are completely maintenance-free and incredibly cost-effective over their lifespan. For international facilities seeking non-powered signage solutions, glow-in-the-dark exit signs offer a simple and compliant alternative.