FAQS

Your Questions Answered by Exit Sign Warehouse

When it comes to exit signs and emergency lighting, most customers are trying to solve one thing:

Pass inspection and keep people safe.

Below are straightforward answers to the most common questions we get from contractors, property managers, electricians, and facility teams.

Exit Signs – What You Need to Know

Are exit signs required in commercial buildings?

In almost every case — yes.

If your building serves the public, has multiple rooms, multiple exits, or is used for business, you’re required to have exit signage. These rules are based on:

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

Your local inspector (Authority Having Jurisdiction) has final say — but if you're running a commercial space, exit signs are typically mandatory.

What does “UL Listed” actually mean?

If a product is UL 924 listed, it means it has been tested for safety and emergency performance.

That includes:

Electrical safety
Battery backup duration (90 minutes minimum)
Reliable illumination during power failure

Most inspectors specifically look for UL 924 certification. If it’s not UL listed, there’s a good chance it won’t pass inspection.

At Exit Sign Warehouse, we focus on code-compliant, inspection-ready products.

Should my exit sign be red or green?

In the United States, most buildings use red exit signs.
Some states and municipalities allow or require green.

If you’re unsure, check with your local code official before ordering. When in doubt, red is most commonly accepted.

Battery Backup & Emergency Lights

Do exit signs need battery backup?

Yes. By code, exit signs must stay illuminated for at least 90 minutes after power loss.

Modern LED exit signs include:

Built-in rechargeable batteries
Automatic transfer during outages
Optional self-testing features

If your sign doesn’t stay lit during a power failure, it won’t pass inspection.

What’s the difference between an exit sign and an emergency light?

An exit sign shows you where the exit is.

An emergency light lights up the path so you can safely get there.

Emergency lights:

Turn on automatically when power fails
Illuminate hallways, stairwells, and open areas
Must run for 90 minutes minimum - larger batteries will increase the operating time, 2 or 3 plus hours

Most commercial spaces require both.

What is a combo exit sign?

A combo unit includes:

Exit sign panel
Two adjustable emergency light heads
Internal battery backup

It’s a space-saving solution commonly used in smaller retail, office, and warehouse spaces.

Non-Electric (Photoluminescent) Exit Signs

What is a non-electric exit sign?

Non-electric exit signs — also called photoluminescent exit signs — absorb ambient light and glow in the dark during emergencies.

They:

Require no wiring
Have no batteries
Use zero electricity
Need minimal maintenance

They’re often used in stairwells, high-rise buildings, and energy-efficient projects.

Are glow-in-the-dark exit signs code compliant?

Yes — as long as they:

Meet UL 924 standards
Receive proper charging light
Are installed correctly

They must be installed in areas with enough normal lighting to “charge” them. If the surrounding light level is too low, they may not meet code.

Mounting & Installation

How can exit signs be mounted?

There are several standard mounting options:

Wall mount (most common)
Ceiling mount
End mount (side mount)
Pendant mount

The goal is simple: the sign must be clearly visible from the direction of egress.

How high should exit signs be installed?

Generally, exit signs must be:

Clearly visible
Mounted high enough to avoid obstruction
Typically at least 80 inches above the floor

Exact requirements may vary by jurisdiction, so always confirm with your local code official.

Code Compliance & Testing

How often do emergency lights need to be tested?

According to NFPA requirements:

Monthly: 30-second test
Annually: 90-minute full discharge test

Some exit signs and emergency lights include self-testing features that automate this process and make compliance easier.

What is UL 924 and why does it matter?

UL 924 is the national safety standard for:

Exit signs
Emergency lighting
Battery backup equipment
Emergency lighting inverters

If a product isn’t UL 924 listed, it may fail inspection — even if it appears functional.

Choosing the Right Exit Sign

What should I look for before buying?

Before purchasing, confirm:

Voltage (120V or 277V)
Single or double face
Mounting type
Letter color
Self-test option
Wet-location rating (for outdoor use)
UL 924 listing

If you're not sure, our team can help you select the right product the first time.

Do outdoor exit signs need to be different?

Yes.

Exterior exit signs must be:

Wet-location rated
Weather resistant
Corrosion resistant
UL listed for outdoor use

Standard indoor models are not approved for exterior installation.

Inspection & Maintenance

Why do exit signs fail inspection?

The most common reasons are:

Dead battery
Burned-out LEDs
Incorrect mounting
Not UL listed
Sign blocked from view

Replacing outdated units with a modern UL-listed LED exit sign typically solves the issue quickly.

Why Buy From Exit Sign Warehouse?

We focus specifically on:

UL listed exit signs
Code-compliant emergency lighting
Non-electric exit signs
Contractor-ready solutions
Competitive pricing for bulk orders

Our goal is simple:
Help you stay compliant, pass inspection, and keep your building safe.