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Steel Emergency Lights

Steel emergency lights (also called metal emergency lights or steel-housing emergency lighting) use rugged, tamper-resistant steel enclosures to protect heads, batteries, and electronics in high-traffic or abuse-prone areas. These fixtures are a go-to choice for stairwells, corridors, loading docks, schools, transit areas, and industrial spaces where plastic housings may not hold up.

Need weatherproof protection for rain, spray, or wash-down? Use wet location emergency lights. Working under special city requirements? See Chicago approved and NYC approved egress lighting categories. Want lighter, corrosion-resistant metal with a sleek profile? Compare die-cast aluminum emergency lights. For budget-friendly indoor installs, browse thermoplastic emergency lights.

Steel Housing Tamper-Resistant (select) 90-Min Backup Remote-Capable (select) 120/277 VAC (common) Self-Testing (select)
Shop faster: Use the filters to narrow by Remote Capable, Self Testing, Conduit Entry, Chicago / NYC approvals, Vandal Proof, and housing color (black/white).
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Steel / Metal Emergency Lights

  • Abuse resistance: Choose steel housings and tamper-resistant hardware where fixtures are within reach (stairwells, corridors, docks, gyms, public areas).
  • Environment rating: Many steel units are indoor/damp. For rain, spray, or hose-down, select a listed wet-location fixture and confirm NEMA/IP ratings on the product page.
  • Output & aiming: Match head type, lumen output, and beam spread to your corridor/stair geometry. Confirm egress illumination during the full-duration (90-minute) test.
  • Remote heads (if needed): If you need light around corners or down long runs, select remote-capable models and confirm voltage, total watt load, and wire distance to limit voltage drop.
  • Mounting & conduit: For surface conduit runs, confirm knockout/hub placement and mounting pattern before rough-in (especially in block or masonry walls).
  • Approvals: If your job requires Chicago or NYC approvals, filter for those options and verify documentation on the spec sheet.
💡 Tip: If vandal guards are required, look for fixtures marked compatible and confirm fitment on the product page.
Steel Emergency Lights Collection
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How to Choose Steel / Metal Emergency Lighting

Steel-housing emergency lights are selected when durability, tamper resistance, and protection of internal components are priorities. Use the guide below to choose the right housing type, environment rating, and feature set for your site.

Infographic explaining where steel emergency lights are commonly used, key features to spec such as conduit entry and vandal resistance, how steel compares to other housings, and a steel emergency lighting spec checklist.
Steel emergency lights at a glance: best use cases, common spec features, housing comparisons, and a practical checklist for durability and compliance.
  • Best places for steel: Stairwells, corridors, schools, docks, warehouses, and public areas where fixtures are within reach and abuse-resistant housings matter.
  • Key features: Look for conduit entry/knockouts, tamper-resistant hardware, vandal guard compatibility, remote-capable options, and self-testing (select models).
  • Spec smart: Confirm environment rating (damp/wet/cold), mounting + conduit plan, approvals (Chicago/NYC where required), and verify performance during a full 90-minute test.

Steel vs thermoplastic vs die-cast aluminum (quick comparison)

Material Best for Tradeoffs
Steel (metal housing) High-traffic, abuse-prone areas; surface conduit installs; industrial/corridor/stairwell use. Heavier; verify corrosion/environment needs and any required wet-location ratings.
Thermoplastic Budget-friendly indoor applications where impact/tampering is not a concern. Less resistant to impacts/abuse in reach zones.
Die-cast aluminum Design-forward metal housings; lighter metal with a sleek profile; many interior commercial uses. Confirm environment rating and feature set for your application.

Specification checklist

  • Environment: indoor/damp vs wet location; add cold-weather options where required.
  • Performance: choose optics and output for mounting height; confirm 90-minute egress illumination during testing.
  • Remote-capable: select remote-capable models when you need to extend coverage around corners or down long corridors.
  • Maintenance: prefer self-testing models where routine manual testing is labor-intensive.
  • Approvals: filter for Chicago / NYC approvals when required and verify documentation on the spec sheet.
📘 Want a broader overview of fixture types and where each fits? See our guide: Types of Emergency Lighting: Indoor, Damp, and Wet-Rated .

FAQs About Steel Emergency Lights

When should I specify steel over thermoplastic?

Choose steel emergency lights when impacts, tampering, or heavy daily wear are likely—common in stairwells, schools, corridors, docks, and industrial spaces. Steel housings protect the battery and electronics better in abuse-prone reach zones.

Can steel emergency lights be used outdoors?

Only if the fixture is specifically listed/rated for wet location exposure. For rain, spray, or wash-down, use a wet-location emergency light and verify NEMA/IP ratings on the product page.

Are steel emergency lights vandal-proof?

Steel housings improve abuse resistance, and some models add vandal-resistant features (guards, lenses, tamper-resistant screws). If vandal protection is required, filter for vandal-proof or guard-compatible options and confirm the exact protection method on the cut sheet.

Do steel emergency lights support remote heads?

Many steel units are available in remote-capable configurations. Confirm remote voltage, maximum remote watt capacity, and wiring distance to reduce voltage drop—especially for long runs.

Do steel emergency lights meet UL 924 and NFPA 101?

Models in this collection are intended for code-compliant egress lighting with 90-minute battery backup. Always verify UL 924 listing and any jurisdictional requirements on the individual product spec sheet before purchase.

Are Chicago / NYC variants available?

Yes—filter for Chicago Approved or NYC Approved options when required by your AHJ and confirm the listed documentation on the product page.