New York City Exit Sign Requirements — What Your Submittals and Inspections Expect

Overview: How NYC differs from national code

NYC layers city-specific expectations on top of UL 924 and NFPA 101. In practice, that often means stricter requirements for letter size and color, more emphasis on durable housings, precise arrowing, and clear documentation at inspection. If you’re used to “standard” exit signs, plan on stricter specs and closer scrutiny in NYC.

For broader egress context (emergency lighting + signs), see NYC Guide: Emergency lighting requirements.

Core NYC specs inspectors check

1. Legend size & color: Expect 8-inch red letters with high contrast. Avoid non-standard fonts, decorative letterforms, smoked/tinted diffusers, or dim legends. NYC exit sign letter size is commonly 8-inch with a 1-inch stroke; many teams standardize on 8″ city-wide to reduce resubmittals.
2. Construction: Many NYC projects lean toward metal/architectural housings that look clean in finished spaces and hold up to day-to-day wear. Flush, secure mounting and a “finished” look matter more than many teams expect.
3. Directional chevrons: Arrows must match the actual egress route—no tape-overs, no improvised stickers. Order the correct chevron configuration up front, and update the schedule if the route changes during construction.
4. UL 924 listing & 90-minute runtime: Battery backup must support a full discharge. Test access and indicator LEDs should be obvious and serviceable without damaging trims or ceilings.
5. Line of sight at decision points: Inspectors stand where people hesitate (corridor turns, offsets, intersections) and ask, “Can I see the next EXIT?” If not, expect to add intermediate signs or adjust arrows.
6. Documentation on hand: Submittal cut sheets, listings, and maintenance logs should be available at the inspection walk-through—and should match what’s installed (face count, arrows, finish, mounting).

NYC building code exit signs: what reviewers look for

For NYC building code exit signs, reviewers typically verify 8-inch red legends, correct chevrons that match the route, UL 924 listing with a 90-minute battery, and durable housings (often metal) that sit flush and secure.

What speeds review: submittals that clearly call out exact options (single vs double face, arrow direction, finish) and a plan set that matches those options room-by-room—so nothing is left to interpretation.

Approved configurations & materials

NYC acceptance is ultimately determined by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). The following patterns are widely used on compliant NYC projects:

• Faces: Single-face for walls; double-face for corridors and open areas where occupants approach from both directions. Confirm legend orientation relative to travel.
• Housings: Metal and architectural housings are common; recessed edge-lit styles are acceptable if they meet letter size, color, and listing requirements.
• Finish & trim: Maintain high contrast to surrounding finishes. In clean architectural ceilings, recessed trims help reduce visual clutter while keeping the legend readable.
• Arrow options: Order no-chevron, left, right, or double arrow as designed—avoid field improvisations that slow inspection and create rework.
• Mounting & canopies: Confirm wall/ceiling/end-mount details early so the installed sign sits straight, tight, and secure—no wobble, gaps, or loose canopies.

Photoluminescent exit signs NYC (LL-26)

Under LL-26, photoluminescent exit signs NYC and egress markings are often required in covered buildings. These complement, not replace, illuminated exit signs—coordinate both so inspectors see a consistent, code-ready system.

Practical coordination tip: align photoluminescent markings with the same route your chevrons indicate, and verify nothing gets painted over or blocked during finish work.

Planning a clean ceiling or minimalist corridor? Review NYC Guide: Recessed exit signs & emergency lights for mounting and wiring details aligned to NYC expectations.

Placement & visibility

Think like an occupant: at every decision point, the path to the exit should be obvious. Provide signs over exit doors, at corridor turns, near stair enclosures, and anywhere sightlines break. Coordinate with ambient lighting so the legend stays readable on approach (no glare, no washout).

• Doorways: Center the sign above the opening when practical. If the route turns, specify arrows that match reality—not assumptions.
• Stairs: Mark each stair entry clearly; don’t rely on distant signs to cover a change in level or a recessed stair door.
• Large rooms & open plans: Use double-face units or multiple signs to maintain visibility across open floor areas and varied approach angles.
• Obstructions: Avoid placing signs where soffits, ducts, signage bands, or decorative features interrupt the line of sight.
• Exterior or harsh spaces: For hose-down, rooftop, or unconditioned areas, use gasketed/sealed gear and appropriate ratings; see NYC Guide: Wet-location exit signs.

Power, runtime & indicators

90-minute runtime remains the baseline for NYC exit signs with integral battery backup. Use models with clear status LEDs and an accessible test switch. Where central power or inverters are used, ensure the circuit is identified, the sign stays illuminated through power loss, and your documentation clearly explains the setup.

• Battery chemistry: Ni-Cd and LiFePO₄ are common in modern exit signs. Prioritize long life, predictable recharge, and cold-weather readiness if applicable.
• Indicators: Steady/flash codes should be visible from normal standing height. Label the meaning of each code near the unit or in the maintenance binder so issues can be diagnosed quickly.
• Testing port: Make sure you can safely access the test switch without removing the entire trim or canopy.

Testing, self-diagnostics & logs

NYC expects proof of monthly quick checks and an annual 90-minute test. Self-diagnostic (self-testing) models automate these routines and flag faults proactively—helpful on large campuses or hard-to-reach locations. For model considerations and indicator behavior, see NYC Guide: Self-testing exit signs.

Need EXIT + lamp heads in a single unit above doors? Compare options in NYC Guide: Exit sign + emergency light combos (arrowing, lamp wattage, and canopies are covered).

Log tip: keep it simple—date, location/ID, pass/fail, and corrective action. Inspectors mainly want to see that testing is happening and issues aren’t being ignored.

Submittals & documentation

Clear documentation accelerates approval:

• Cut sheets: Highlight letter height, color, housing material, UL 924 listing, chevron configuration, and runtime. Circle or annotate the spec fields directly so reviewers don’t have to hunt.
• Plan marks: On RCPs and life-safety plans, show each EXIT symbol with arrow orientation and face count (single/double) if relevant. Don’t make the reviewer guess.
• Schedules: Consolidate model numbers and options (face, color, arrows, finish, mounting) in a simple table that matches your cut sheets one-for-one.
• Field alignment: If the installation changes (route, doors, partitions), update the schedule and arrow callouts before final inspection—small mismatches are common causes of punchlist rework.
• Maintenance template: Include a one-page log for monthly quick checks and the annual 90-minute test. Keep it with facility documentation (or a dedicated life-safety binder).

Retrofit considerations

Existing buildings introduce quirks: limited power access, historic finishes, hard ceilings, or odd sightlines created by later renovations. Plan for the real world:

• Power access: If fishing new branch circuits is tough, favor integral battery models with status LEDs you can see without removing trim.
• Hard ceilings: Recessed models reduce visual clutter, but confirm there’s room for the housing and that trim can sit flush to finished surfaces.
• Sightlines: Open office partitions and brand walls create blind corners—be ready to add intermediate signs where needed.
• Finish coordination: High-gloss, mirror, or dark finishes can reduce perceived contrast; select legends that stay readable from the approach angle.

Common NYC mistakes & quick fixes

Field checklist before inspection

• Stand at each decision point; confirm you can see the next EXIT, and arrows match the actual route.
• Verify legends are 8-inch red with high contrast; no non-standard fonts or dim faces.
• Confirm UL 924 listing and perform the 90-minute test; the legend must remain readable for the full duration.
• Check that test switches and indicator LEDs are accessible and visible; label indicator meanings if unclear.
• Verify housings and trims are secure, flush, and undamaged; recessed trims sit tight with no gaps.
• Confirm face count and mounting (wall/ceiling/end) match the approved submittal and plans.
• Ensure submittal cut sheets, schedules, and maintenance logs are on site and match what’s installed.

FAQs

Can I use green EXIT signs in NYC?

Red is the accepted standard on most NYC projects. Use green only if the project approvals (and the AHJ) explicitly allow it—don’t assume it will pass by default.

Are recessed or edge-lit signs acceptable?

Yes—provided they meet letter size, color, contrast, and listing requirements. Coordinate trim and mounting details in your submittals so the installed result is flush, secure, and easy to service.

Do self-testing exit signs replace manual testing?

No. They automate the monthly and annual routines and surface faults quickly. You still keep a basic log and correct issues noted by the unit.

What does the NYC Fire Code require for exit signs?

For NYC fire code exit signs, inspectors typically look for 8-inch red legends, proper chevrons, and UL 924 listing with a 90-minute runtime—plus proof of testing at the required intervals.

How do the NYC Building Code and Fire Code differ for exit signs?

Both align on visibility, listings, and reliability; plan reviewers and inspectors may emphasize different details in practice. Use clear placement at corridor turns and stair entries, and keep your submittals + logs aligned with what’s installed.