If you want exit signs that look good and still pass inspection, the Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign is the sweet spot. A crystal-clear acrylic panel makes the legend appear to float, while a slim frame keeps ceilings and corridors clean. It’s UL 924 egress-ready with a 90-minute battery backup, universal 120/277 VAC input, and fast, flexible mounting—so your crew can install it and move on. For planning and procurement, start with our Edge-Lit Exit Signs collection; if your AHJ or brand standard specifies color, see Red Letter Exit Signs and Green Letter Exit Signs. Common search terms include Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign, Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign Red, and Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign Green.
Last updated: August 2025
Overview: Why Low-Profile Edge-Lit?
Edge-lighting hides long-life LEDs in the frame and lights a laser-etched acrylic panel, so the EXIT legend looks like it’s floating. That keeps public areas polished while still meeting life-safety rules. Compared with bulky “box” signs, the ELXTEU’s low profile sits close to the surface, reads clearly in the dark, and gives you the flexibility to go single- or double-face without chasing another SKU.
- Looks better, installs faster: architectural appearance without slowing the job.
- One box, many outcomes: configure face count, arrows, and legend color on site.
- Inspector-friendly: UL 924 listed with the required 90-minute emergency runtime.
Scenario: Hotel corridor with premium finishes—ceiling-mount the panel so the EXIT floats, apply a right arrow, and keep the design clean.
Shop the Four Variants
Choose the combination that matches your plan set and sightlines:
- Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign - Single Face – Red Letters
- Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign - Single Face – Green Letters
- Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign - Double Face – Red Letters
- Low-Profile Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign - Double Face – Green Letters
Note: Hardware supports field-selectable red or green legends. Separate SKUs help procurement and submittals.
Illumination & Legend Options
- Even, glare-free letters: edge-lit acrylic spreads light uniformly—no hot spots.
- Red or Green, your call: select color during install (or order the color-specific SKU).
- Single or double face: mirrored insert included for dual visibility when ceiling-mounted.
- Arrows in 30 seconds: stick-on chevrons with a template—no new faceplate needed.
Scenario: Office stair tower—wall-mount a single-face unit and add a left arrow to match the evacuation map.
Electrical & Battery Backup
- Universal input: 120/277 VAC with a bi-color status LED and a push-to-test button for quick checks.
- 90-minute backup: EM versions use a 4.8 V Ni-Cd to keep the sign lit during outages.
- No-flicker switchover: solid-state transfer flips to battery instantly—no blink or lag.
- Smart recharge: two-rate charger brings the pack back to full in about a day.
- Low load, low hassle: efficient LEDs cut energy use and eliminate lamp changes.
Scenario: Healthcare corridor—spec the self-test option so monthly/annual checks are automated and documented.
Mounting & Installation
- One canopy, three ways: use the supplied universal canopy for ceiling (top) or flag (end) mounting; or go direct wall/back mount via knockouts.
- Convertible faces: configure single- or double-face on site—no re-ordering.
- Lightweight, low profile: easier single-tech installs and cleaner sightlines.
Installer tip: Set canopy orientation before pulling conductors so the panel squares to the corridor and arrows point the right way the first time.
Housing, Panel & Finishes
- Frame finishes: satin aluminum standard; optional white or black to match interiors.
- Panel options: crystal-clear acrylic (mirrored or white acrylic available for specific looks).
- Built for interiors: UL 924 listed and comfortable in humid indoor areas like vestibules and stair towers.
Scenario: Boutique retail—choose the black frame and mirrored panel to blend with dark ceilings and fixtures.
Options & Accessories
- SDT — Self-diagnostic testing: automates the ~30-second monthly and 90-minute annual tests; shows status codes.
- 2C-120 / 2C-277 — Dual-circuit AC: tie into separate normal/emergency feeds where required.
- TP — Tamper-proof kit: security hardware for public or abuse-prone locations.
- Custom legends: special wording or graphics available by factory quote.
Need option codes and submittal language? Download the ELXTEU Spec Sheet (PDF)
Use Cases & Design Scenarios
- Hotels & hospitality: keep lobby and corridor lines clean with ceiling-mounted double-face panels.
- Corporate offices: low-profile wall mounts that don’t fight the design language.
- Healthcare: self-test + push-to-test simplify compliance rounds.
- Retail & mixed-use: architectural look without bulky housings; arrows guide to discharge doors.
- Education: universal mounting handles mixed conditions across older and new buildings.
Color note: Confirm red vs green requirements with your AHJ before submittals.
Comparison to Other UL 924 Sign Types
| Type | Best For | Look & Profile | Install/Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Profile Edge-Lit (ELXTEU) | Premium interiors; modern aesthetic | Ultra-thin, “floating” legend | Universal canopy; single/double; red/green | Architectural look, damp-rated |
| Economy Edge-Lit | Budget-sensitive finish spaces | Slim, clear acrylic | Universal mount; red/green selectable | Great value; fewer finish options |
| Thermoplastic “box” | Back-of-house; lowest installed cost | Deeper profile; utilitarian | Self-test/remote-capable options | Most economical |
| Metal (die-cast/steel) | Rough service; high traffic | Metal housing; robust | Tamper-resistant, guards available | Higher cost; maximum durability |
| Photoluminescent | No wiring; sustainability | Opaque face; glows after charge | Needs code-level ambient light | Zero energy; check viewing distance |
| Tritium (self-luminous) | Inconsistent lighting; remote areas | Always glowing; no power | End-of-life recycling program | 10–20-yr life; simple retrofit |
Bottom line: Choose low-profile edge-lit when aesthetics matter most; pick thermoplastic for lowest cost, metal for abuse resistance, and non-electrical where wiring is impractical.
Compliance, Warranty & Testing
- Listings: UL 924 (emergency egress), damp-location.
- Standards: Meets NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), NEC, OSHA; compliant with CEC Title 20 energy rules.
- Warranty: 5-year on housing/electronics; battery pro-rated 5 years.
Testing made simple: press push-to-test for the monthly quick check; run one 90-minute annual test. Add SDT to automate and log results.
Quick Specs, Dimensions & AHJ Checklist
- Legend: Red or Green (field-selectable); single/double-face convertible; field-applied chevrons.
- Input: 120/277 VAC; bi-color status LED; push-to-test.
- Battery: 4.8 V Ni-Cd (EM), ~90-minute backup; solid-state transfer; two-rate charger (≈24h recharge).
- Mounting: Universal canopy (top/end); backplate knockouts (wall/back).
- Housing/Panel: Satin aluminum (opt. white/black); clear/mirrored/white acrylic panel.
- Environment: UL 924, comfortable in humid indoor areas like vestibules and stair towers.
- Dimensions: 13 in W × 8 in H × 1¾ in D.
- Legend color chosen (Red/Green) ✅
- Single vs. double face configured ✅
- Chevrons applied to match path ✅
- 90-minute test logged (push-to-test) ✅
- Spec sheet attached to submittal ✅
FAQ
Is the ELXTEU approved for commercial use?
Yes. It’s UL 924 listed for emergency egress and comfortable in humid indoor areas. It meets NFPA 101, NEC, OSHA, and CEC Title 20.
Can I select between red and green EXIT letters?
Yes. Choose red or green during installation—or order the color-specific SKU if your project requires it.
Does this model include emergency battery backup?
Emergency (EM) versions include a 4.8 V Ni-Cd that provides about 90 minutes of illumination during outages.
What mounting options are included?
Use the universal canopy for ceiling or flag mounting, or the backplate knockouts for wall mounting over a j-box.
Are white and black finishes available?
Yes. In addition to satin aluminum, white and black frames are available to match your interior palette.