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NYC-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

Meet New York City’s stricter code with NYC-approved fixtures designed for Local Law 26 and FDNY. Expect 8-inch red letters (1-inch stroke) on exit signs, metal housings, and a minimum 90-minute battery backup.

NYC Approved Local Law 26 UL 924 8" Red Letters 90-min Backup Metal Housing
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What to Look for in NYC-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

  • Local compliance: UL 924 listing, NYC/FDNY acceptance, and Local Law 26 conformance on the submittal package.
  • Exit sign legend: 8″ red letters with 1″ stroke; verify single/double-face orientation and chevron direction per plan.
  • Egress illumination: Design to achieve about ≥1 fc average and ≥0.1 fc minimum along paths at 90 minutes (coordinate with AHJ).
  • Runtime & testing: Minimum 90-minute battery; include status indicator and push-to-test; self-testing options simplify monthly/annual checks.
  • Housing & durability: Metal construction (steel/aluminum) with tamper-resistant hardware as required; recessed or surface styles per architecture.
  • Lamp heads & optics: Adjustable, low-glare LED heads sized for corridor/open-area coverage without hotspotting or spill into residences.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, brownout/surge protection, and low-voltage disconnect on battery models.
  • Batteries: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or LiFePO4; confirm recharge time, cycle life, and heater options for unconditioned spaces.
  • Environment rating: Select damp/wet-location models for stair towers/exterior egress; evaluate impact resistance for high-traffic/vandal-prone areas.
  • Mounting & sightlines: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting; verify projection/clearances near doors, sprinklers, signage, and MEP runs.
  • Documentation: Provide cut sheets, installation instructions, and NYC-specific compliance notes for plan review and inspections.

Our NYC selections cover recessed, surface-mounted, and edge-lit configurations to maintain clear, consistent egress direction in multifamily, commercial, healthcare, and institutional buildings. Fixtures are engineered for visibility, font size, mounting height, and performance criteria set by the NYC Department of Buildings and FDNY.

What makes an exit sign NYC-approved? Metal housing (no plastic), 8" red letters with 1" stroke, 90-minute battery backup, and conformance with Local Law 26/FDNY visibility and mounting standards.
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NYC-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights – Spec Guide

  • Local compliance: UL 924 listed and NYC/FDNY accepted; conforms to Local Law 26 (verify submittal notes/COA as applicable).
  • Exit sign legend: 8″ red letters with 1″ stroke; confirm single/double-face orientation and chevron direction per plans.
  • Egress illumination (lights): Design layouts to achieve ≈ ≥1 fc average and ≥0.1 fc minimum along paths at 90 minutes (coordinate with AHJ).
  • Runtime & testing: Minimum 90-minute battery; include status indicator and push-to-test; consider self-testing for automated monthly/annual checks.
  • Housing & durability: Metal construction (steel/aluminum); tamper-resistant hardware where specified; recessed or surface styles to match architectural intent.
  • Lamp heads & optics (combos/lights): Adjustable, low-glare heads; choose corridor/open-area distributions to avoid hotspotting or glare into dwellings.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, brownout/surge protection, and low-voltage disconnect on battery models.
  • Batteries: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or LiFePO4; confirm recharge time, cycle life, and any cold-weather heater options for unconditioned spaces.
  • Environment rating: Specify damp/wet-location models for stair towers/exterior egress; evaluate impact resistance for high-traffic or vandal-prone areas.
  • Mounting & sightlines: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting; verify projection/clearances near doors, sprinklers, signage, and MEP runs; confirm recessed-kit requirements if used.
  • Remote capacity (if applicable): For extended coverage, specify remote-capable units and validate total watt load and voltage-drop limits to remote heads.
  • Documentation: Provide cut sheets, installation instructions, and NYC-specific compliance statements for plan review/inspections.

FAQs About NYC-Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

What makes an exit sign NYC approved?

NYC approved exit signs meet Local Law 26 and FDNY requirements, including 8-inch red letters, metal housings, UL 924 listing, and strict placement/installation standards.

Are red letters required in New York?

Yes. New York City mandates red EXIT letters on a white background for approved emergency signage under FDNY and Department of Buildings rules.

Can I use plastic exit signs in NYC?

No. Exit signs in New York City must use steel or aluminum enclosures. Plastic models are generally not approved unless explicitly exempted.

Do NYC exit signs include battery backup?

Yes. All NYC-approved exit signs include 90-minute battery backup to maintain illumination during power outages. See our battery backup exit signs for more options.

What is Local Law 26?

Local Law 26 is a New York City ordinance that sets visibility, placement, and construction requirements for exit signs and egress lighting in covered buildings.

Are self-testing models allowed?

Yes. Self-testing exit signs are permitted and commonly used to simplify monthly and annual inspections under NYC compliance programs.