Home » Special Use » Chicago Approved

Chicago-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

Meet City of Chicago requirements with Chicago-approved exit signs and emergency lights engineered for local code.

Chicago Code UL 924 Red on White Steel Housing 90-Min Backup Tamper-Resistant
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Chicago-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

  • Legend & Color: Red letters on a white background for exit signs; even illumination and high contrast.
  • Construction: Metal/steel housings for durability and tamper resistance.
  • Runtime & Listing: UL 924 with a minimum 90-minute battery backup.
  • Mounting: Universal wall/ceiling/end options with secure canopy hardware.
  • Faces & Chevrons: Single/double-face and field-selectable directional arrows.
  • Diagnostics: Self-testing availability for automated monthly/annual checks.
  • Environment: Damp/wet ratings or cold-weather packages if site conditions require.
What makes a fixture “Chicago-approved”? Red letters on a white background for exit signs, metal/steel housing, UL 924 listing with a 90-minute battery, and construction that meets local visibility, mounting, and tamper-resistance rules.

Our Chicago-approved exit signs feature high-contrast red legends on white for readability and robust steel construction for durability. Universal mounting hardware simplifies wall or ceiling installs, and most models include field-selectable chevrons to direct egress paths.

Chicago-approved emergency lights use high-output LEDs and maintenance-free batteries to deliver at least 90 minutes of illumination during power loss—ideal for stair towers, corridors, and public areas. Options include wet-location housings, self-testing diagnostics, and cold-weather packages; verify runtime and ratings on the submittal.

Specs vary by model—confirm submittals with your AHJ for site-specific requirements.

Chicago Approved Emergency Lights and Exit Signs Collection
Trust & Policies

Filters
Clear all

10 Products

Chicago-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights Spec Guide

Spec Snapshot

  • Compliance: UL 924 listing with a minimum 90-minute battery backup. Built to meet Chicago Municipal Code life-safety requirements—coordinate details with your AHJ.
  • Legend & Color (Exit Signs): Red letters on a white background with uniform illumination and high contrast. Verify required letter height and any placement specifics per local code.
  • Housing & Durability: Steel/metal enclosures for robustness and tamper-resistance; options for vandal-resistant lenses and hardware in public areas.
  • Mounting & Configuration: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting with canopy on many models; single- or double-face panels and field-selectable chevrons for flexible wayfinding.
  • Power & Electronics: Dual-voltage 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, AC lockout, brownout detection, test button & status LED. Self-testing diagnostics available.
  • Environment & Options: Damp/wet-location housings and cold-weather packages as needed. For combos, adjustable LED heads sized for corridor spacing; remote-capable variants available—confirm wattage/runtime.

FAQs About Chicago Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

What makes a fixture “Chicago-approved”?

Chicago-approved products typically combine a UL 924 listing, a 90-minute battery backup, red letters on a white background (for exit signs), and a robust metal/steel housing that meets local visibility and tamper-resistance requirements.

Are steel housings required?

In most applications the City of Chicago expects steel or metal enclosures for exit signs to ensure durability and compliance. Always confirm project specifics with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Do exit signs have to be red on white?

Yes—Chicago codes call for red letters on a white background with uniform illumination and high contrast. Green legends are generally not accepted under local rules.

Is a 90-minute battery backup mandatory?

Yes. Chicago-approved exit signs and emergency lights must provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination and be UL 924 listed to support egress requirements.

Are self-testing diagnostics allowed?

Yes. Self-diagnostic (self-testing) units are commonly used to automate monthly and annual tests, provided the product meets UL 924 and local code expectations.

What mounting options are typical?

Most families offer wall, ceiling, or end-mount configurations with universal canopies. Field-selectable chevrons and single-/double-face options support flexible wayfinding layouts.

Do I need damp or wet-location listings?

Use damp-location units for humidity/condensation and wet-location models for direct spray, wash-down, or exterior exposure. Confirm the listing matches the installation environment.

Where are Chicago-approved products required?

They’re commonly specified for corridors, stair towers, exit doors, and public areas in buildings under Chicago jurisdiction, including commercial and multi-family occupancies.

Are combo units (exit + lights) acceptable?

Yes. Chicago-approved combos are available with metal housings, red-on-white legends, and 90-minute backup, combining signage and egress lighting in one fixture to simplify installation and inspection.

How do I confirm final compliance?

Submit the manufacturer’s submittal cut sheet, UL 924 listing details, and any local documentation to your AHJ for review. Site conditions can affect placement, mounting, and visibility requirements.