New York City Exit Sign Requirements — What Your Submittals and Inspections Expect

Overview: How NYC differs from national code

NYC layers city-specific expectations on top of UL 924 and NFPA 101. In practice, that means stricter requirements for letter size and color, more emphasis on durable housings, careful arrowing, and clear documentation at inspection. If you’re used to “standard” exit signs, plan on stricter specifications and closer scrutiny in NYC.

For broader egress context (emergency lighting + signs), see NYC Guide: Emergency lighting requirements.

Core NYC specs inspectors check

1. Legend size & color: Expect 8-inch red letters with high contrast. Avoid non-standard fonts, decorative letterforms, or dim legends. NYC exit sign letter size is commonly 8-inch with a 1-inch stroke; many teams standardize on 8″ city-wide to avoid resubmittals.
2. Construction: Many NYC projects lean toward metal/architectural housings that look clean in finished spaces and stand up to daily wear.
3. Directional chevrons: Arrows must reflect the actual path—no tape-overs, no improvised stickers. Order the correct chevron configuration up front.
4. UL 924 listing & 90-minute runtime: Battery backup must support a full discharge. Test access and indicator LEDs should be obvious.
5. Line of sight: Inspectors stand at decision points and ask, “Can I see the next EXIT?” If not, expect to add intermediate signs or adjust arrows.
6. Documentation on hand: Submittal cut sheets, listings, and maintenance logs should be available at the inspection walk-through.

NYC building code exit signs: what reviewers look for

For NYC building code exit signs, reviewers typically verify 8-inch red legends, correct chevrons that match the route, UL 924 listing with a 90-minute battery, and durable housings (often metal) that sit flush and secure.

Approved configurations & materials

NYC acceptance is ultimately determined by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). The following patterns are widely used on compliant NYC projects:

• Faces: Single-face for walls, double-face for corridors and open areas where occupants approach from both directions. Confirm legend orientation relative to travel.
• Housings: Metal and architectural housings are common; recessed edge-lit styles are acceptable if they meet letter size, color, and listing requirements.
• Finish & trim: Maintain high contrast to surrounding finishes. In clean architectural ceilings, recessed trims prevent visual clutter.
• Arrow options: Order no-chevron, left, right, or double arrow as designed—avoid field improvisations that slow inspection and cause rework.

Photoluminescent exit signs NYC (LL-26)

Under LL-26, photoluminescent exit signs NYC and egress markings are often required in covered buildings. These complement, not replace, illuminated exit signs—coordinate both so inspectors see a consistent, code-ready system.

Planning a clean ceiling or minimalist corridor? Review NYC Guide: Recessed exit signs & emergency lights for mounting and wiring details aligned to NYC expectations.

Placement & visibility

Think like an occupant: at every decision point, the path to the exit should be obvious. Provide signs over exit doors, at corridor turns, near stair enclosures, and anywhere sightlines break. Coordinate with ambient lighting so the legend remains visible on approach.

• Doorways: Center the sign above the opening when practical. If the route turns, specify arrows to match reality.
• Stairs: Mark each stair entry clearly; don’t rely on distant signs to cover a change in level.
• Large rooms & open plans: Use double-face units or multiple signs to maintain visibility across open floor areas.
• Exterior or harsh spaces: For hose-down, rooftop, or unconditioned areas, use gasketed/sealed gear and appropriate ratings; see NYC Guide: Wet-location exit signs.

Power, runtime & indicators

90-minute runtime remains the baseline for NYC exit signs with integral battery backup. Use models with clear status LEDs and an accessible test switch. Where central power or inverters are used, ensure the circuit is identified and the sign remains visible throughout power loss—and that your documentation explains the arrangement.

• Battery chemistry: Ni-Cd and LiFePO₄ are common in modern exit signs. Prioritize long life, predictable recharge, and cold-weather readiness if applicable.
• Indicators: Steady/flash codes should be visible from normal standing height. Label the meaning of each code near the unit or in the maintenance binder.
• Testing port: Make sure you can safely access the test switch without removing the entire trim or canopy.

Testing, self-diagnostics & logs

NYC expects proof of monthly quick checks and an annual 90-minute test. Self-diagnostic (self-testing) models automate these routines and call out faults proactively—helpful on large campuses or hard-to-reach locations. For model considerations and indicator behavior, see NYC Guide: Self-testing exit signs.

Need EXIT + lamp heads in a single unit above doors? Compare options in NYC Guide: Exit sign + emergency light combos (arrowing, lamp wattage, and canopies are covered).

Submittals & documentation

Clear documentation accelerates approval:

• Cut sheets: Highlight letter height, color, housing material, UL 924 listing, chevron configuration, and runtime. Circle or annotate the spec fields directly.
• Plan marks: On RCPs and life-safety plans, show each EXIT symbol with arrow orientation and face count (single/double) if relevant. Don’t make the reviewer guess.
• Schedules: Consolidate model numbers and options (face, color, arrows, finish) in a simple table that matches your cutsheets one-for-one.
• Maintenance template: Include a one-page log for monthly quick checks and the annual 90-minute test. Keep it with facility documentation.

Retrofit considerations

Existing buildings introduce quirks: limited power access, historic finishes, hard ceilings, or odd sightlines created by later renovations. Plan for the real world:

• Power access: If fishing new branch circuits is tough, favor integral battery models with status LEDs you can see without removing trim.
• Hard ceilings: Recessed models reduce visual clutter, but confirm there’s room for the housing and that trim can be flush to finished surfaces.
• Sightlines: Open office partitions and brand walls create blind corners—be ready to add intermediate signs where needed.
• Finish coordination: High-gloss, mirror, or dark finishes can affect perceived contrast; select legends that stay readable.

Common NYC mistakes & quick fixes

Field checklist before inspection

• Stand at each decision point; confirm you can see the next EXIT, and arrows match the actual route.
• Verify legends are 8-inch red with high contrast; no non-standard fonts or dim faces.
• Confirm UL 924 listing and perform the 90-minute test; the legend must remain readable for the full duration.
• Check that test switches and indicator LEDs are accessible and visible; label indicator meanings if unclear.
• Verify housings and trims are secure, flush, and undamaged; recessed trims sit tight with no gaps.
• Ensure submittal cut sheets, schedules, and maintenance logs are on site and match what’s installed.

FAQs

Can I use green EXIT signs in NYC?

Red is the accepted standard citywide. Use green only if the project’s approvals explicitly allow it.

Are recessed or edge-lit signs acceptable?

Yes—provided they meet letter size, color, and listing requirements. Coordinate trim and mounting details in your submittals.

Do self-testing exit signs replace manual testing?

No. They automate the monthly and annual routines and surface faults quickly. You still keep a basic log and correct issues noted by the unit.

What does the NYC Fire Code require for exit signs?

For NYC fire code exit signs, inspectors look for 8-inch red legends, proper chevrons, and UL 924 listing with a 90-minute runtime, plus proof of testing at the intervals required.

How do the NYC Building Code and Fire Code differ for exit signs?

Both align on visibility, listings, and reliability; plan reviewers may emphasize different details. See placement notes above for corridor turns and stair entries related to exit signs NYC building code expectations.