Types of Emergency Lighting
Exit Signs
Exit signs provide a clear and visible indication of where the nearest exits are located. These signs feature the word "EXIT" in illuminated letters and typically display an arrow pointing in the direction of the exit. The light color in these signs may be either red or green, although a certain color may be required by building or local codes. Exit signs are typically used in tandem with emergency lights.
Emergency Lights
Emergency lights are designed to provide enough essential illumination in the event of a power outage to safely guide occupants out of the building. These fixtures can be mounted to the wall or the ceiling. Emergency lights are used in addition to exit signs to mark the clear pathway to the nearest exit.
Combo Lights
Combination emergency signs serve a dual purpose by providing both illumination and directional guidance during emergencies. These lighted fixtures integrate exit signage with built-in emergency lighting. The “EXIT” lettering can be either red or green.
Durable Fixtures: Wet Location Rated, Flame-Retardant, and Explosion Proof Housing
As emergency lights are intended to provide light during emergency situations, they must also be built to withstand a variety of elements. Exit signs and lights made from flame-retardant thermoplastic will suppress or delay the fixture’s ignition when exposed to heat or flames. This is particularly useful in the case of a fire or extreme heat.
Emergency fixtures with an IP65 rating and above are built to withstand dust and water. Wet environments or areas near fire sprinklers should utilize wet location-rated emergency lights to ensure the lighting functions properly during an emergency.
Class 1 Division 2 locations, or areas where hazardous materials may be present, require the use of explosion-proof lighting. These locations have an increased risk of fire or explosion due to the materials being handled. Explosion-proof emergency lighting is specifically designed to prevent the intrusion of any hazardous gasses and vapors to ensure the lights stay operational.
Reliable Battery Backups
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Life Safety Code requires that all emergency illumination must stay on for a minimum of 90 minutes in the event of a power outage. However, other commercial lighting fixtures, such as high bays, strip fixtures, and downlights, may not have integrated emergency backup. Adding an emergency battery backup to these light fixtures ensures they will remain “On” in the event of a power failure. Our battery backups meet various standards including UL 924 and CEC Title 20 regulations to ensure compliance with local and national safety codes.
UL 924 Requirements
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent safety testing agency that tests, inspects, and certifies products for compliance with safety standards. One of the critical standards established by UL is UL 924, which sets forth standards for emergency lighting systems. UL 924 requires that all emergency lights and signs must meet the following requirements:
- Exit and safety lights must provide a minimum luminance of 0.06 ft. lamberts and be seen from at least 100 feet away
- All emergency fixtures must deliver 90+ minutes of emergency lighting on a full charge
- The fixtures must be constructed of flame-retardant thermoplastic
- The lettering must be at least six inches tall and the lettering thickness must be at least .75” wide
All of our emergency signs and lights are UL 924 listed.
NYC Compliance Regulations
New York City has its own code for lighted exit signs. These fixtures must meet the NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements listed below:
- The word “EXIT” and the internal lighting of the sign must be red
- The lettering must be 8 inches tall and the lettering thickness must be 1 inch
- The average initial brightness must be a minimum of 250 ft. lamberts
- Internally lighted signs must have a background of stenciled metal in light gray or white, or translucent materials with white separators
We carry a line of NYC-compliant exit signs, emergency lights, and combo lights.
