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Chicago Approved Exit Signs Red Letters

Chicago Approved Exit Signs – 8" Red Letters

Shop Chicago approved exit signs engineered to meet city code for visibility, durability, and performance. Explore Chicago-approved life safety, pair with Chicago-approved emergency lights, or choose one-piece Chicago-approved exit sign and emergency light combos. Expect 8" red letters (1" stroke), metal housings, and a minimum 90-minute battery backup for code-ready egress.

Chicago Code UL 924 NFPA 101 8" Red Letters 90-Min Backup Metal Housing
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Chicago Approved Exit Signs

  • Legend & size: 8" red letters with 1" stroke; high contrast for visibility.
  • Construction: Metal/steel housing for durability and tamper resistance.
  • Listing & runtime: UL 924 with minimum 90-minute battery backup.
  • Mounting: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting with secure canopy hardware.
  • Faces & chevrons: Single/double-face options; field-selectable directional arrows.
  • Environment: Damp/wet ratings and cold-weather packages when required.
  • Diagnostics: Self-testing availability for automated monthly/annual checks.
What makes an exit sign “Chicago approved”? Metal housing, 8" red letters with 1" stroke, UL 924 listing with 90-minute backup, and compliance with City of Chicago visibility, placement, and tamper-resistance rules.

These Chicago approved exit signs deliver high-contrast red on white legends for superior readability and robust steel or aluminum construction for durability and tamper resistance. Most models include field-selectable chevrons, single/double-face options, and universal wall/ceiling/end-mount hardware to streamline installation across corridors, stair towers, lobbies, and public areas.

Choose from recessed, surface-mount, or architectural edge-lit faces to match your interior. Battery-backed units provide at least 90 minutes of emergency illumination and use high-output LEDs for low maintenance. Many SKUs add self-testing diagnostics to automate monthly/annual checks and simplify inspections.

Build your code-ready package today: Chicago-approved life safety | Chicago-approved emergency lights | Chicago-approved exit sign and emergency light combos.

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Chicago-Approved Exit Signs Spec Guide

Spec Snapshot

  • Compliance: UL 924 listed with a minimum 90-minute backup; supports NFPA 101. Built for City of Chicago visibility and tamper-resistance—coordinate details with your AHJ.
  • Legend & Size: 8" red letters with 1" stroke on a high-contrast white field; uniform LED illumination for long-distance readability.
  • Housing: Durable metal/steel enclosure with tamper-resistant hardware; vandal-resistant lenses available for public areas.
  • Mounting: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting with secure canopy; recessed, surface, and architectural edge-lit options to match interiors.
  • Faces & Chevrons: Single- or double-face configurations with field-selectable chevrons for flexible wayfinding.
  • Power & Diagnostics: Dual-voltage 120/277 VAC; solid-state charger/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, AC lockout, brownout detection, test button & status LED. Self-testing versions available.
  • Environment: Specify damp or wet-location listings and cold-weather packages when required by site conditions.

FAQs About Chicago Approved Exit Signs

What makes an exit sign “Chicago approved”?

Chicago-approved signs use 8" red letters with a 1" stroke on a white field, feature a metal/steel housing, and are UL 924 listed with a 90-minute battery backup.

Are 8" letters mandatory?

Yes. The City of Chicago generally requires 8" letter height with a 1" stroke for visibility and readability in public egress paths.

Do housings have to be metal?

In most applications, metal/steel enclosures are expected for durability and tamper resistance. Confirm any project-specific exceptions with the AHJ.

Are these signs UL 924 and NFPA 101 compliant?

Yes. Chicago-approved models are UL 924 listed and support NFPA 101 life-safety requirements, providing at least 90 minutes of illumination during outages.

Can I use green letters or non-white backgrounds?

No. Chicago signage typically requires red letters on a white background for exit signs; alternate colors are not accepted under local rules.

Are pictogram-only (“running man”) signs allowed?

Chicago typically requires the word EXIT per local code. Pictogram-only signs are generally not accepted—confirm with the AHJ for your project.

What mounting options are available?

Most families support wall, ceiling, or end-mount configurations with secure canopy hardware, plus single- or double-face panels and field-selectable chevrons.

Are self-testing diagnostics permitted?

Yes. Self-diagnostic versions automate monthly and annual tests and indicate faults, provided the unit meets UL 924 and local requirements.

Do I need damp or wet-location ratings?

Use damp-location models for humidity/condensation and wet-location listings for direct spray or exterior exposure. Always match the listing to the environment.

How do I confirm final compliance?

Submit the manufacturer’s submittal/cut sheet, UL listing details, and any site notes to the AHJ. Some projects also require photometric/layout verification and mounting details.