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Red Letter Exit Signs – UL 924 Compliant LED Fixtures

Red Letter Exit Signs

Red letter exit signs are the most recognized egress markers in the U.S., delivering high-contrast visibility during power loss. Choose UL 924 certified LED exit signs with integrated 90-minute battery backup for code-driven installs in offices, warehouses, apartments, and schools. See all commercial exit signs.

UL 924 Compliant 90-Min Backup LED Illumination Wet/Damp Options NYC/Chicago Ready*
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Red Letter Exit Signs

  • Compliance & runtime: UL 924 listing; battery models must provide a minimum 90-minute operation and align with NFPA 101/IBC.
  • Legend spec & visibility: Standard 6 in letters with typical viewing up to 100 ft; verify contrast of red legends against wall/ceiling finishes and lighting.
  • Jurisdictional requirements: Some AHJs mandate red legends (e.g., NYC/Chicago); confirm local rules before specifying alternatives.
  • Faces & orientation: Choose single- or double-face; on edge-lit designs, confirm backplate/mirror configuration for required viewing sides.
  • Directional chevrons: Prefer field-selectable arrows to match egress direction and reduce SKU complexity across layouts.
  • Mounting type: Universal canopy for wall, ceiling, or end-mount; check junction-box pattern, pendant/drop length, and door clearances.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, low-wattage LEDs, solid-state charger, status indicator, and test switch on battery models.
  • Environment rating: Specify damp/wet-location or IP/NEMA ratings where needed (vestibules, kitchens, semi-outdoor spaces).
  • Construction: Sleek edge-lit acrylic for minimal profile or rugged thermoplastic/metal housings for durability; low-projection options for tight corridors.
  • Maintenance & diagnostics: Consider self-testing electronics to automate monthly/annual checks and simplify inspections.

Red EXIT signs align with NFPA 101, OSHA, and the IBC for brightness, legibility, and 90-minute emergency illumination. Many jurisdictions specifically require red lettering. For local approvals, browse Chicago-approved red exit signs and New York City–approved exit signs.

Models are available with dual-voltage 120/277 VAC, field-selectable chevrons, and single- or double-face configurations for wall, ceiling, or end mounting. Need tougher builds or specific looks? Compare die-cast aluminum red exit signs, edge-lit red exit signs, and wet-location red exit signs.

💡 What is a red letter exit sign?
An emergency egress fixture that displays the word EXIT in red letters—widely recognized and required by certain local codes (e.g., NYC, Chicago). For non-electric, always-on visibility, see red tritium exit signs or red photoluminescent exit signs.

Prefer green legends for international or healthcare settings? Explore our green letter exit signs for ISO-aligned aesthetics and visibility.

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Red Letter Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & runtime: UL 924 listing; battery models provide a minimum 90-minute operation and align with NFPA 101/IBC (verify with your AHJ).
  • Legend spec & visibility: Standard 6-in letters with typical viewing up to 100 ft; verify red legend contrast under ambient lighting conditions.
  • Jurisdictional requirements: Some AHJs mandate red legends (e.g., NYC/Chicago); confirm local rules before specifying alternatives or green legends.
  • Faces & orientation: Single or double-face; for edge-lit designs, confirm backplate/mirror configuration for required viewing sides.
  • Directional chevrons: Field-selectable arrows to match egress direction and reduce SKU complexity across layouts.
  • Mounting: Universal canopy for wall, ceiling, or end-mount; verify junction-box pattern, pendant/drop length, and door clearances.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, low-wattage LEDs, solid-state charger, Status LED, and test switch on battery models.
  • Battery: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or lithium packs delivering ≥90 min runtime; check recharge time and ambient temperature range.
  • Environment: Specify damp/wet-location or IP/NEMA ratings where needed (vestibules, kitchens, semi-outdoor spaces).
  • Construction: Minimal-profile edge-lit acrylic or durable thermoplastic/metal housings; low-projection options for tight corridors.
  • Maintenance & diagnostics: Optional self-testing electronics automate monthly/annual checks; maintain inspection logs per AHJ requirements.

FAQs About Red Letter Exit Signs

Where are red letter exit signs typically required?

Red EXIT signs are widely accepted and sometimes required by local code—commonly in places like New York City, Chicago, and across Illinois. They’re also popular in industrial buildings, older facilities, and any space where red stands out against light-colored walls.

Are red exit signs code compliant?

Yes—red legends comply with UL 924, NFPA 101, IBC, and OSHA. Most jurisdictions allow either red or green unless your local authority specifically requires one color.

What lighting options are available?

Red exit signs are available as long-life LED models with internal battery backup that keeps the legend illuminated during power outages.

How long will red LED signs stay lit during an outage?

Typical units 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, suitable for outdoor exits, stairwells, loading docks, and covered entryways.

Can I customize the arrow direction?

Most red exit signs include field-selectable chevrons so you can set the arrow direction during installation to match your layout.

What mounting configurations are supported?

Red letter exit signs typically ship with a universal canopy for flexible installs. Mounting options include ceiling mounting for overhead visibility, wall mounting for standard hallway egress, and end mounting for perpendicular viewing down corridors—so visibility is clear from every approach.