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Exit Signs

Exit Signs

Exit signs are vital for guiding occupants to safety during emergencies. Building codes require these signs to stay illuminated even during power outages, ensuring people can find exits and evacuate safely. Whether you’re a building owner, contractor, or safety professional, it’s important to understand the different types of exit signs available so you can choose the right solution for each application.

What is an emergency exit sign? It’s a life-safety fixture that clearly marks the path of egress and remains visible — even during a power failure — using internal batteries or self-powered LED or non-powered exit sign technology.

Battery Backup & Self-Testing Exit Signs

Battery backup exit signs incorporate internal batteries to maintain illumination for at least 90 minutes during a power outage. This emergency runtime, required by UL 924, keeps exit pathways visible when normal power fails. Many models also feature a self-testing function that runs automatic monthly and annual diagnostics, reducing manual inspection work and helping you stay code-compliant.

Damp, Wet & Hazardous Location Exit Signs

Different environmental conditions call for purpose-built signage. Damp location exit signs are designed for high-humidity or partially covered areas like vestibules and stairwells. For full outdoor exposure to rain, snow, or hose-down conditions, wet location exit signs feature sealed housings and weatherproof gaskets. In industrial facilities with flammable gases, vapors, or dust, hazardous location exit signs use explosion-proof construction and are rated for Class I Division 2 and similar environments.

Steel, Aluminum, Recessed & Edge-Lit Designs

Material and design play an important role in selecting the right fixture. Steel exit signs offer unmatched durability in high-impact or vandal-prone areas. For an architectural upgrade, die-cast aluminum exit signs provide a modern aesthetic with strong, corrosion-resistant construction. Recessed exit signs are perfect for clean interior applications, hiding the housing within ceilings or walls. If you want a sleek, premium look, edge-lit exit signs use clear acrylic panels illuminated by LED strips for a minimalist profile that blends into modern design schemes.

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FAQs About Exit Signs

❓ How long must emergency exit signs remain illuminated during a power outage?

Exit signs must remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes during a power failure, as required by UL 924, NFPA 101, and OSHA regulations.

❓ What’s the difference between red and green exit signs?

Both colors are acceptable in most U.S. jurisdictions. Red is more common in older buildings, while green is often preferred in newer construction and in jurisdictions with stricter environmental or visibility requirements.

❓ Are exit signs required to have battery backup?

Yes. Most models include internal batteries that activate during power loss. Battery backup exit signs are required in nearly all commercial applications to maintain visibility during outages.

❓ Can I install exit signs outdoors?

Only if the model is outdoor-rated. Use wet location exit signs for areas exposed to weather and damp-rated signs for covered but humid environments like stairwells or vestibules.

❓ What is a self-testing exit sign?

These signs include an integrated self-diagnostic function that automatically runs monthly and annual tests to ensure functionality. Self-testing exit signs simplify code compliance and reduce manual inspection time.

❓ Do exit signs need arrows or directional indicators?

Yes — if the direction of egress isn’t obvious. Most exit signs include field-selectable chevrons (arrows) that can be knocked out during installation to point toward the nearest exit.