New York City Approved Emergency Lights & Exit Sign Combos

Emergency lighting and exit signage installed in New York City must meet some of the strictest standards in the country, as enforced by the FDNY and NYC Electrical Code. Exit signs must feature 8-inch red letters with a 1-inch stroke on metal housings—plastic enclosures are not accepted. Emergency light combos must include 9-watt lamp heads and deliver an average of 2 foot-candles (22 lux) at floor level, with no point below 0.2 foot-candles. These illumination levels are approximately double the national minimum and are required for full corridor and stairwell coverage. Each unit must also provide 90 minutes of emergency operation via integrated battery backup to comply with life safety codes.

New York City approved emergency light and exit sign combos are UL 924 listed and constructed from durable steel or aluminum to withstand high-use environments. These units are available with LED or incandescent lamping, and many include field-selectable directional arrows, universal mounting kits, and optional self-testing diagnostics to streamline inspections. Whether you're outfitting a high-rise residential building, healthcare facility, theater, or public institution, NYC-compliant units ensure dependable performance and full legal compliance.

What makes an emergency light and exit sign combo NYC-approved? It must include 8-inch red letters with a 1-inch stroke on a metal housing, 9-watt lamp heads, and deliver 2 foot-candles average and 0.2 fc minimum at floor level for 90 minutes—meeting strict FDNY and NYC code requirements.

To explore individual signage options, visit our collection of New York City approved exit signs designed to meet city-specific requirements. For a broader range of products—including combos, emergency lights, and remote head units—browse our full NYC-approved emergency lighting collection for code-compliant solutions that match your facility’s needs.

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New York City Approved Steel Glare Free Lamp Heads Emergency Unit

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Buyers Guide Tips

✅ What to Look For in NYC‑Approved Emergency Lights & Combos

✅ **Red LED Letters 8″/1″** – NYC mandates bold legend height and stroke in FDNY-approved exit signage.
✅ **Metal Housing** – Steel or aluminum construction is required for durability and fire-code compliance.
✅ **High-Output Lamp Heads** – Emergency fixtures feature 9 W or higher LED/incandescent lamps to meet NYC’s 2 FC average illumination requirement.
✅ **90-Minute Battery Backup** – UL 924 listing ensures emergency power duration and auto-recharge.
✅ **Wet/Damp Location Rated** – Seek NEMA 4X/IP65 protection for outdoor stairwells or covered walkways.
✅ **Photoluminescent Options** – NYC-approved glow-in-the-dark signs and path markers (esp. Local Law 26 high-rise photoluminescent path systems).
✅ **Self-Test Diagnostics** – Automated monthly/annual testing helps maintain code compliance efficiently.
✅ **Remote Heads Available** – Expand lighting zones with UL‑listed remote fixtures from central combo units.

FAQs About NYC‑Approved Emergency Light Fixtures

❓ What makes NYC‑approved fixtures different?

NYC standards require **8″ red letters (1″ stroke)**, **metal housing**, and emergency light heads rated around **9 W** to deliver at least 2 fc along egress paths.

❓ How is illumination measured?

NYC mandates **average 2 fc (22 lux)** and **minimum 0.2 fc** at floor level along exit routes—twice the national minimum—to enhance visibility in emergencies.

❓ Are photoluminescent options accepted?

Yes—NYC-approved glow-in-the-dark exit signs and photoluminescent tape/markers meet Local Law 26 requirements, especially in high‑rise buildings.

❓ Do combo units include emergency heads?

Absolutely—combo fixtures integrate red-letter exit signs with 9 W+ adjustable lamp heads and durable metal housing to meet NYC’s egress lighting requirements.

❓ Are they wet‑location rated?

Many NYC-approved models are NEMA 4X or IP65+ rated, suitable for wet or covered outdoor areas such as stairwells or foyer entrances.

❓ Is self-testing required?

While not mandatory, automated self-test diagnostics for UL 924 fixtures are highly recommended to simplify monthly and yearly inspection compliance.

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