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New York City Approved Exit Sign & Emergency Lights

Exit signs installed in New York City must meet stricter visual, construction, and performance requirements than general UL 924 standards. Our NYC-approved exit signs are fully compliant with Local Law 26 and FDNY regulations, featuring 8-inch red letters with a 1-inch stroke, high-contrast backgrounds, and robust steel or aluminum housings designed for durability in demanding environments.

These fixtures are engineered to satisfy visibility, font size, and mounting height rules outlined by the NYC Department of Buildings and the Fire Department (FDNY). Available in recessed, surface-mounted, and edge-lit configurations, they provide clear and consistent egress direction in multi-family, commercial, healthcare, and institutional buildings across all five boroughs.

All models are UL 924 listed and include battery backup systems that provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination during power outages. Many units also offer self-testing diagnostics to simplify monthly and annual code-required inspections, reducing maintenance labor and increasing compliance confidence.

What makes an exit sign NYC-approved? It must feature 8-inch red letters with a 1-inch stroke, be housed in metal (not plastic), include 90 minutes of battery backup, and comply with visibility, mounting, and performance standards outlined by Local Law 26 and FDNY regulations.

Whether you're outfitting a new development or upgrading legacy signage, our NYC-approved exit signs deliver the performance, reliability, and compliance your project demands. For emergency lighting in stairwells, corridors, or open spaces, explore our New York City–approved emergency lights built to meet FDNY’s strict illumination standards.

NYC Approved Emergency Lights & Exit Signs

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FAQs About NYC Approved Exit Signs & Emergency Lights

❓ What makes an exit sign NYC approved?

NYC approved signs meet Local Law 26 and FDNY rules, including red letters, steel housing, UL 924 certification, and strict installation guidelines.

❓ Are red letters required in New York?

Yes. Red lettering on a white background is required by New York City fire code for all approved emergency exit signage.

❓ Can I use plastic exit signs in NYC?

No. NYC requires metal or steel-housed exit signs for most applications. Plastic models generally do not meet code unless otherwise specified.

❓ Do NYC exit signs include battery backup?

Yes. All models include a battery backup system to provide 90 minutes of emergency illumination. See our battery backup options.

❓ What is Local Law 26?

Local Law 26 mandates specific requirements for egress lighting and exit signs in NYC buildings, including placement, design, and visibility standards.

❓ Are self-testing models allowed?

Yes. Self-testing exit signs help streamline inspections and are commonly used in NYC-compliant systems.