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Red Letter Exit Signs – Traditional & Reliable Egress Solutions
Red letter exit signs have long been the standard for emergency egress marking in the U.S., known for their classic high-contrast visibility. These signs are available in both modern UL 924-listed LED models (with internal illumination and battery backup) and photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark versions, delivering quick recognition of exits during emergencies.
Importantly, red exit signs are fully compliant with all major safety codes—including NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), OSHA, and the IBC—which set requirements for brightness, legibility, and 90-minute emergency illumination. In fact, some jurisdictions mandate red lettering specifically. For example, New York City, Rhode Island, and the City of Chicago each require red “EXIT” signs by law, making red-letter signage the default choice in those areas and many traditional facilities.
Red EXIT signs are especially suitable for industrial sites, older facilities, and jurisdictions with color-specific code requirements. Their unmistakable color, bold appearance, and widespread recognition help ensure safe evacuation even in low-visibility conditions. For locations where red is not required, however, green letter exit signs may offer a more modern aesthetic and align with international ISO standards.
What is a red letter exit sign? It’s an emergency egress fixture that displays the word “EXIT” in red letters—recognized for its high visibility and required in many U.S. jurisdictions like NYC and Chicago to meet specific code standards.
For city-specific compliance, browse our Chicago-approved red exit signs or explore New York City-approved red letter exit signage designed to meet local egress codes and housing requirements.
FAQs About Red Letter Exit Signs
❓ Where are red letter exit signs typically required?
Red EXIT signs are widely accepted and often required in specific jurisdictions such as New York City, Chicago, and throughout Illinois. They are also commonly used in industrial buildings, older facilities, and spaces where red provides better visibility against lighter-colored backgrounds.
❓ Are red exit signs code compliant?
Yes—red legends are fully compliant with UL 924,NFPA 101,IBC, and OSHA. Most codes allow either red or green lettering unless your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) specifies one color.
❓ What lighting options are available?
Red exit signs are available in long-life LED models with battery backup or as non-electrical photoluminescent signs that absorb ambient light and glow in the dark without power or wiring.
❓ How long will red LED signs stay lit during an outage?
LED models include Ni‑Cd or lithium-ion batteries that provide at least 90 minutes of emergency illumination, as required by life safety codes.
❓ Are there outdoor-rated red exit signs?
Yes—many red letter signs are NEMA 4X or IP65 rated for wet and damp locations, making them suitable for outdoor exits, stairwells, loading docks, and covered entryways.
❓ Can I customize the arrow direction?
Most red exit signs come with field-selectable chevrons, allowing you to configure arrow direction during installation based on your building’s layout.
❓ What mounting configurations are supported?
Red letter exit signs support wall, ceiling, end, or pendant mounting. Most models include a universal canopy kit for quick and flexible installation.