Exit Sign Arrows Explained: How to Get Directional Chevrons Right (and Pass Inspection)

If there’s one small detail that causes a lot of inspection failures, it’s this:

Exit sign arrows.

We see it all the time—signs installed correctly, powered, UL listed… but the arrows are wrong.

And that alone can fail a job.

This guide breaks down how exit sign directional arrows (chevrons) work, how to install them correctly, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

What Are Exit Sign Arrows (Chevrons)?

Exit sign arrows—also called chevrons—are the directional indicators on an exit sign that tell people where to go during an emergency.

They typically point:

• Left
• Right
• Down- sometimes used 

The goal is simple:
Guide people to the nearest exit quickly and clearly.

Most modern LED exit signs come with removable chevron knockouts, so you can configure the direction during installation.

When Are Directional Arrows Required?

Arrows are required anytime the exit path isn’t obvious.

In real-world terms, that includes:

• Hallways with turns
• Intersections or corridors
• Large open areas
• Warehouses and commercial spaces

If someone unfamiliar with the building wouldn’t immediately know where to go, you need a directional indicator.

Codes that govern this include:

• NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
• International Building Code (IBC)
• Local fire codes

How to Choose the Correct Arrow Direction

This is where most mistakes happen.

Here’s the rule:

👉 The arrow should point in the direction of travel to the exit

• Left arrow → Exit is to the left
• Right arrow → Exit is to the right
• Down arrow → Exit is straight ahead or directly below

Why Getting Arrows Right Matters

In an emergency, people don’t stop and think—they follow signs.

A correctly configured exit sign:

• Speeds up evacuation
• Reduces confusion
• Helps you pass inspection
• Protects building occupants

A wrong arrow does the opposite.