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NYC-Approved Exit Signs

Meet New York City’s stricter code with NYC-approved exit signs engineered for Local Law 26 and FDNY. Start with the NYC-approved life-safety collection, compare NYC-approved exit sign & emergency light combos, and pair with NYC-approved emergency lights. Expect 8" red letters (1" stroke), metal housings, and a minimum 90-minute battery backup.

NYC Approved Local Law 26 UL 924 8" Red Letters 90-Min Backup Metal Housing
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in NYC-Approved Exit Signs

  • Local compliance: UL 924 listing, NYC/FDNY acceptance, and Local Law 26 conformance on the submittal package.
  • Legend requirement: 8″ red letters with 1″ stroke for mandated visibility; verify font/render matches job spec.
  • Housing: Metal construction (steel/aluminum); use tamper-resistant hardware where required by occupancy or spec section.
  • Faces & orientation: Choose single- or double-face; for edge-lit, confirm backplate/mirror configuration to present legends on required sides.
  • Directional chevrons: Prefer field-selectable arrows to align with egress paths and reduce SKU count across floors/buildings.
  • Egress visibility: Maintain clear sightlines; set mounting height/placement per plan review with the AHJ to avoid obstructions and glare.
  • Runtime & testing: Minimum 90-minute battery backup; include status indicator and push-to-test; optional self-testing simplifies inspections.
  • Mounting hardware: Universal canopy for wall, ceiling, or end-mount; verify J-box pattern and door/sprinkler/signage clearances.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, low-wattage LEDs, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, and low-voltage disconnect on battery models.
  • Environment rating: Specify damp/wet-location as needed for stair towers/exterior egress; consider impact resistance for high-traffic zones.
  • Documentation: Provide cut sheets, installation instructions, and NYC-specific compliance statements for plan review and inspections.

Our NYC selections include recessed, surface-mounted, and specialty models built for visibility and durability. Each fixture is UL 924 listed, uses high-output LEDs, and ships with field-selectable chevrons and universal mounting hardware to streamline installation. Many units also feature self-testing exit signs to automate monthly/annual checks and simplify inspection reports.

Use NYC-approved exit signs wherever egress routes must meet FDNY visibility and mounting rules—multifamily corridors, stair towers, schools, healthcare facilities, and high-rises across all five boroughs. For matching illumination in stairwells and open areas, add NYC-approved emergency lights.

What makes an exit sign NYC-approved? Metal housing (no plastic), 8" red letters with 1" stroke, minimum 90-minute battery backup, and conformance with Local Law 26/FDNY visibility, placement, and performance standards.

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NYC-Approved Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Local compliance: UL 924 listing plus NYC/FDNY acceptance; conforms to Local Law 26 (verify submittal notes/COA as applicable).
  • Legend requirements: 8″ red letters with 1″ stroke for mandated visibility; ensure font/render meets project specification and AHJ expectations.
  • Housing & durability: Metal construction (steel/aluminum); tamper-resistant hardware where specified; recessed or surface styles per architectural intent.
  • Faces & orientation: Select single or double-face; for edge-lit designs, confirm backplate/mirror configuration to present the legend on required sides.
  • Directional chevrons: Field-selectable arrows to align with egress direction and reduce SKU count across floors/buildings.
  • Egress visibility: Maintain clear sightlines; set mounting height/placement to avoid obstructions and glare per plan review with the AHJ.
  • Runtime & testing (battery models): Minimum 90-minute backup; include status indicator and push-to-test; consider self-testing for automated monthly/annual checks.
  • Electrical: Universal 120/277 VAC, low-wattage LEDs, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, and low-voltage disconnect on battery models; brownout/surge protection recommended.
  • Environment rating: Specify damp/wet-location models for stair towers or exterior egress; evaluate impact resistance for high-traffic zones.
  • Mounting: Universal canopy for wall, ceiling, or end-mount; verify J-box pattern, projection, and clearances near doors, sprinklers, and signage.
  • Documentation: Provide cut sheets, installation instructions, and NYC-specific compliance statements for plan review/inspections; ensure nameplate lists required identifiers.

FAQs About NYC-Approved Exit Signs

What makes an exit sign NYC approved?

NYC regulations call for 8″ red EXIT letters with a 1″ stroke, a steel or aluminum housing, UL 924 listing, and a 90-minute emergency battery. Many applications also require weather-resistant ratings for exposed areas.

Are metal housings required?

Yes. FDNY/NYC codes specify durable steel or aluminum housings for public buildings and high-rises.

Do they need battery backup?

Absolutely. UL 924 models include Ni-Cd or lithium-ion batteries that keep the legend illuminated for at least 90 minutes during an outage.

Can they be used outside?

Yes. Look for wet- or damp-location ratings such as NEMA 4X or IP65+ for exterior stairs, tunnels, entrances, or transit areas.

Is self-testing necessary?

Not required, but self-test diagnostics are highly recommended to make NYC’s monthly and annual checks faster and easier.

What mounting options are offered?

Most NYC-approved signs support wall, ceiling, pendant, and recessed installations to fit different building layouts.

Do they work with photoluminescent systems?

Yes. Many models are Local Law 26–compatible and integrate with photoluminescent path-marking systems for layered egress visibility.