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Edge Lit Exit Signs

Edge lit exit signs (also called edge-lit LED exit signs) use a laser-etched acrylic light-guide panel illuminated from the edges to create a thin, “floating” EXIT legend. They’re a go-to choice for lobbies, corridors, glass-heavy interiors, and other spaces where a minimal, architectural look matters. Choose ceiling, wall, or end-mount hardware—or a recessed kit for a flush finish. Select red or green letters, single- or double-face panels, and directional chevrons/arrows as required for the egress path. Many models include battery backup for 90 minutes of emergency illumination (verify specs on each product page). For other styles, see the full family of exit signs, explore architectural exit signs, or for harsh environments choose wet-location exit signs.

Jump to: Specs & Features  |  Recessed vs. Surface/End Mount  |  FAQs

Laser-Etched Panel Edge-Mounted LEDs Ultra-Thin Profile Ceiling / Wall / End Single / Double-Face 90-Min Backup Options
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Edge-Lit Exit Signs

  • Panel selection: Choose clear, frosted, or mirrored acrylic to balance reflections and legibility under your ambient lighting while preserving the “floating” legend effect.
  • Mount & orientation: Confirm ceiling/wall/end hardware or recessed kits; verify trim depth, cut-in size, and panel orientation to align with soffits, glass walls, and ceiling heights.
  • Single vs. double-face: Use double-face for corridors and two-way viewing; choose single-face for wall ends or one-direction approaches.
  • Legend, color & arrows: Specify red or green letters and add chevrons/arrows to match the required egress direction and approach path.
  • Power, testing & backup: Many models offer 120/277VAC, battery backup for 90 minutes, and self-testing variants—confirm these features per model.
  • Environment: Most edge-lit acrylic signs are intended for interior applications—if you need wash-down, corrosion resistance, or outdoor exposure, use a dedicated wet-location exit sign.

Because edge-lit exit signs depend on a light-guide panel, ambient lighting matters: mirrored or frosted acrylic can reduce glare in glass-and-stone interiors, while clear panels maximize the “floating” look. For best readability, confirm the sign is legible along all approach paths (not just straight-on).

For long-term performance, clean acrylic panels with a non-abrasive cleaner, avoid solvents that can haze plastics, and keep the indicator/test features accessible so routine inspections don’t require removing trim or canopies.

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Edge Lit Exit Signs – Specs & Features

  • Edge-lit panel technology: Laser-etched acrylic light-guide with edge-mounted LEDs creates a thin, architectural “floating” EXIT legend with strong uniformity when properly specified.
  • Panel finish options: Clear, frosted, and mirrored acrylic helps control reflections in glass/stone interiors while maintaining legibility.
  • Mounting flexibility: Surface ceiling/wall hardware, end-mount brackets, and recessed kits allow flush architectural installs—confirm trim depth, cut-in size, and panel orientation before installation.
  • Legends, faces & arrows: Red or green EXIT letters, single- or double-face configurations, and directional chevrons/arrows to match the egress route and approach path.
  • Electrical & emergency backup: Many models offer universal 120/277 VAC, efficient LED boards, solid-state charging, and battery backup rated for 90-minute emergency illumination (verify per model).
  • Testing & maintenance: Self-testing options simplify routine checks; ensure test/indicator visibility remains clear after trims and canopies are installed.
  • Code & approvals: Look for listed, life-safety-rated models (commonly UL 924) and confirm local requirements with the AHJ for letter color, mounting, viewing direction, and any jurisdiction-specific approvals.

Recessed vs. Surface-/End-Mount Edge-Lit Exit Signs

Recessed Edge Lit Exit Signs

Recessed edge lit exit sign: concealed housing above ceiling with a flush trim at the ceiling plane and an acrylic EXIT panel lit by edge LEDs.
Sits flush with the ceiling/soffit; housing is concealed above the ceiling.
  • Best for: clean, minimal interiors where aligned trims and soffits are part of the design.
  • Planning: requires above-ceiling clearance and coordination for cut-in size, trim depth, and orientation.
  • Finish details: ideal when you want the EXIT legend to “float” without visible canopies.
  • Service: keep test/indicator access visible after trim installation for quick inspections.

Surface / End-Mount Edge-Lit Exit Signs

Surface mount edge lit exit sign with a visible ceiling canopy and stem; end-mount edge lit exit sign with a side bracket securing the acrylic panel to a wall or mullion.
Surface: visible canopy on ceiling  •  End-mount: side bracket to wall or mullion.
  • Best for: retrofits, limited above-ceiling space, and flexible placement where recessed isn’t practical.
  • Install speed: often faster—confirm junction box location, conductor routing, and final viewing direction.
  • Design match: canopy/bracket remains visible—choose finishes that match the interior palette.
  • Glass-heavy spaces: end-mount is common for corridors with glazed walls or mullions.
Comparison of recessed versus surface/end-mount edge lit exit sign configurations with labeled callouts showing flush trim vs visible canopy/bracket.
Quick visual comparison of recessed (flush) vs. surface/end-mount configurations.

FAQs About Edge Lit Exit Signs

Clear, frosted, or mirrored panel—what’s the difference?

Clear maximizes the “floating” effect but can reflect nearby light. Frosted softens edges and reduces glare in bright interiors. Mirrored blends with metallic finishes and can help conceal structure behind the panel—useful near glass walls or polished stone.

Red vs. green letters—how do I choose?

Many buildings use red by default, while green is common in modern interiors and some jurisdictions. Always confirm local requirements with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), especially for renovations and tenant improvements.

Single-face vs. double-face edge-lit exit signs—what’s best?

Choose single-face when the sign is viewed from one approach direction (e.g., wall end). Choose double-face for corridors, lobbies, and other locations where occupants approach from two directions.

Do double-face edge-lit signs illuminate both directions evenly?

Yes—quality double-face models use an internal divider or mirrored core to distribute light so each legend reads uniformly from its approach path. For best results, match the correct panel type and confirm the face configuration for the install location.

Do edge-lit exit signs include arrows/chevrons?

Many edge lit exit signs support directional chevrons/arrows. Some models ship with chevrons that can be configured in the field, while others require a specific panel configuration—check the product listing for details.

Do edge lit exit signs have battery backup?

Battery-backup models provide emergency illumination during power loss—commonly rated for 90 minutes. Some models may be AC-only or intended for specific system designs, so verify the emergency rating on the product page.

What voltages do these signs support?

Many edge-lit exit signs are designed for 120/277VAC (common in commercial buildings). Always confirm voltage on the specific model before ordering, especially for retrofits.

Any special mounting considerations for recessed edge-lit installs?

Confirm rough-in dimensions, trim depth, and orientation before cut-in; coordinate with soffits and ceiling conditions, and keep indicator/test access visible after trim installation. If above-ceiling space is limited, consider surface or end-mount hardware instead.

Are edge-lit exit signs suitable for outdoor or wet locations?

Most acrylic edge-lit exit signs are intended for interior environments. For wash-down areas, corrosion exposure, or outdoor installs, use purpose-built wet-location exit signs that are designed for those conditions.

How do I clean and maintain an acrylic edge-lit exit sign?

Use a soft microfiber cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner safe for acrylic. Avoid harsh solvents that can haze plastic. Keep trims, canopies, and indicator/test features accessible so routine checks don’t require disassembly.