How Much Do Exit Signs Really Cost?

After realizing the importance of exit signs in ensuring public safety, you’ve made the all-important decision to comply with government building codes. You know that this involves purchasing one or more exit signs, and you know that this will entail a financial investment for your business. 

Just how much of an investment are you going to need to make?

The answer is: it depends on your specific needs. If you have already started shopping for exit signs, you will know the huge range of options that exist. Each option has its own price point, and the price can range anywhere from 10 to 1000 dollars.

Steps to Choose the Right Exit Sign with the Right Cost for You

How do you know which exit sign to pick?

In this article, we will outline the range of costs associated with exit signs that business owners will encounter when picking the appropriate signs for their building.

Step 1: Determine Your Specific Needs

The first step in making the right investment into exit signs for your building is determining exactly what your needs are. This will include considering the appropriate government regulation, considering the type of building, the number of people who will inhabit the building at any given time, and the type of business being conducted inside the building.

Each geographical area (nation, state, municipality) will have their own governing body who mandates the placement, brightness, and number of exit signs required. In the USA, the main oversight agencies are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Fire Protection Association. Ensure you have read and understood the appropriate guidelines for your area.

In order to make sure you follow the guidelines, you must consider the type of building, the number of people, and the type of business you will be conducting. For example, a restaurant is not going to use the same exit sign as a hospital, a hospital is not going to use the same exit sign as a warehouse, and a warehouse is not going to use the same exit sign as a nightclub. Each of these businesses hosts different types of people, operate in different lighting conditions, and generally have different needs. The guidelines that govern exit signage reflect those differences.

Step 2: Find a Sign that Matches Your Needs and Preferences 

Once you are clear on the exact quantity, placement, and brightness required for your building, it is time to choose your signs. There are numerous aesthetic options to choose from, including different colors and styles, as well as other options like materials and eco-friendly manufacturing. You can choose a sign that matches your preferences and stays within your mandated guidelines.

To accommodate different preferences and suit the needs of various businesses, many different types of exit signs exist. For your convenience, we have classified them by price point: 

• Under $100: At this price point, you can purchase basic exit signs to comply with government mandates. On the low end of this range are flat, photoluminescent signs that do not have any light bulbs. On the higher end, you can purchase 3D battery-powered cast aluminum signs with LED lights. There are many options available at this price range that would be suitable for modern office spaces and simple applications.
• Between $100 and $450: Exit signs available in this price range allow specialty materials and superior aesthetics. Signs at this price point are usually appropriate for industrial work environments or architectural applications due to their superior construction. Specialty features like wet location, self-luminous, outdoor usage, and vandal resistance are also available in this price range.
• Around $500: For around 500 dollars you can purchase extremely high-quality exit signs. Signs in this range usually fall into two categories: extremely beautiful signs for aesthetically focused businesses, or ultra-high-performance signs which may be required for specialty applications. An example of a specialty application is a food-safety-approved exit sign that can be used in extreme conditions, like the inside of an industrial freezer.
• Between $600 and $1000: Signs available at this price range are designed for harsh and hazardous environments, such as petrochemical, oil and gas production, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Around $1000 and Higher: Signs in this price range are used for very specific applications and will most likely feature explosion resistance.

Step 3: Consider Additional Costs

Most guidelines require that a reliable source of light illuminates each exit sign.

If a building owner chooses to illuminate their exit signs with an internal or external source of light, they should also factor in energy costs. Depending on the type of bulbs used, it can cost an additional 5 to 35 dollars per sign, per year to keep each sign illuminated. LED lights are the most energy efficient, and incandescent bulbs are the most expensive.

If you will be using battery-operated signs you need to be aware of battery replacement costs for parts and labor, which may cost up to 300 dollars. Don’t forget to factor in the price of installation, which varies but can cost 80 dollars per sign.

Ready to Decide?

Check out our massive selection to find the perfect exit signs for your building.