Ensuring your business or facility meets safety standards shouldn’t be a headache. With the right emergency exit signs, you can keep your space compliant and your occupants secure. From energy-efficient LEDs to long-lasting battery backups, these top-rated options offer the features you need. But which one is the best fit for your unique requirements? Explore to discover the key differences and find the perfect solution that balances safety, compliance, and your specific needs.
For those seeking a cost-effective and easy-to-install emergency exit sign, the AmazonCommercial ABS Emergency Light Exit Sign (2-Pack) is a reliable choice, offering a fire-retardant ABS housing, adjustable LED heads, and a 90-minute battery backup.
These signs can be wall, ceiling, or end-mounted, and their long-lasting Epstar SMD LEDs provide efficient illumination.
Although the housing may feel a bit flimsy, the units work as described and are suitable for certain applications.
The remote feature allows for separate LED heads, making the signs versatile.
Compared to more expensive models or replacing the battery in old signs, this 2-pack provides good value and a cost-effective solution for your emergency lighting needs.
Best For: Cost-conscious consumers seeking easily-installed, adjustable emergency exit signs with 90-minute battery backup.
Pros:
Fire-retardant ABS housing
Adjustable LED heads
Long-lasting Epstar SMD LEDs
Cons:
Housing may feel a bit flimsy
Not as bright as more expensive models
Remote feature requires additional low voltage cord
LFI Lights Combo Red Exit Sign with Emergency Lights
The LFI Lights Combo Red Exit Sign with Emergency Lights is an ideal choice for businesses and facilities seeking a durable, energy-efficient emergency lighting solution that meets critical safety standards.
This UL-listed device features all-LED illumination, eliminating the need for energy-draining incandescent bulbs. Boasting a 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing, it’s built to withstand damp environments.
Its battery backup delivers 90 minutes of emergency power, ensuring continuous visibility during outages.
With easy installation and a 30-day return guarantee, this combo sign ticks all the boxes for reliable, code-compliant exit and emergency lighting.
The adjustable square heads and universal mounting plate make it a versatile option for various settings.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or starting from scratch, the LFI Lights Combo is a smart, energy-efficient choice that prioritizes safety and compliance.
Best For: Businesses and facilities seeking a durable, energy-efficient emergency lighting solution that meets critical safety standards.
Pros:
UL-listed device with all-LED illumination
90-minute battery backup for emergency power
Durable 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
Cons:
Hardwired installation may be more complex than some alternatives
Potential compatibility issues with existing electrical systems
Limited customization options compared to some other models
Photoluminescent Exit Sign Red – Aluminum (ULR-050)
Designed for buildings with limited electrical access, the frameless, photoluminescent ULR-050 exit sign requires no wiring and glows in the dark using only 5 ft candles of ambient light.
This UL 924 listed and code-compliant sign features high-performance photoluminescence, ensuring it’s always visible in an emergency.
Measuring 14.25 x 7.5 inches, the single-sided, metal sign comes with removable arrows for customization.
Installation’s a breeze, too – no double-sided tape or holes required.
Plus, it’s made in the USA and has no expiration date, making it a reliable choice for indoor use.
While the price may be a bit higher than some options, reviewers agree it’s well worth the investment, especially for meeting local fire codes and keeping your building safe.
Best For: Older buildings or areas with limited electrical access that need a reliable, code-compliant photoluminescent exit sign.
Pros:
No electrical wiring required for installation
Meets NFPA, IBC, and IFC fire codes
Easy to install without double-sided tape or drilling holes
Cons:
Price may be slightly higher than some other options
Mounting screws are not included
Sign has a purple and teal cover during shipping that must be removed
Ciata Lighting Emergency Exit Lights with Battery Backup
Offering a premium-grade emergency exit light with battery backup, the Ciata Lighting Emergency Exit Lights are an excellent choice for businesses or homeowners seeking reliable and high-visibility fire exit signs.
With a 100-foot visibility range, these universal emergency lights are designed for both commercial and residential use.
Featuring a rechargeable Ni-Cd battery that lasts for at least 90 minutes during power outages, you can count on these lights to provide illumination when you need it most.
Boasting a 50,000-hour lifespan and a durable, flame-retardant thermoplastic ABS construction, the Ciata Lighting Emergency Exit Lights are built to last.
The quick-connect backplate makes installation a breeze, and the 1-year warranty offers peace of mind.
While the emergency lights may seem a bit dim, they’re more than sufficient for their purpose, and the overall quality and value of this product make it an excellent choice for your safety needs.
Best For: Businesses and homeowners seeking a reliable, high-visibility emergency exit light with battery backup at an affordable price.
Pros:
Premium-grade construction with a 50,000-hour lifespan
Rechargeable battery that lasts for at least 90 minutes during power outages
Easy installation with a quick-connect backplate
Cons:
Emergency lights may appear slightly dim
Some minor issues reported with installation and light directionality
For commercial and home spaces that require reliable emergency exit lighting, the LEONLITE Emergency Exit Sign (4 Pack) delivers with its versatile 3-mounting options and UL-listed compliance.
This square-shaped sign features an exquisite appearance, making it an ideal replacement for traditional exit sign lights.
Crafted from durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, the signs can handle damp environments and run on 120V or 277V AC power.
You’ll appreciate the 90-minute battery backup, providing peace of mind during power outages.
The set includes arrow stickers for customizable installation.
With a 4.4-star rating and rave reviews, you can trust that these LEONLITE exit signs will keep your space safe and compliant.
Best For: The LEONLITE Emergency Exit Sign (4 Pack) is best suited for commercial and residential spaces that require reliable and compliant emergency exit lighting.
Pros:
Versatile 3-mounting options (ceiling, side, wall) for easy installation
90-minute battery backup provides peace of mind during power outages
UL-listed for compliance with emergency lighting regulations
Cons:
Slightly heavier than some alternative exit signs at 9.37 pounds per pack
May not fit all existing exit sign mounting configurations
Battery backup may need to be replaced periodically
Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency Exit Signs
When selecting emergency exit signs, you’ll need to ponder several key factors.
Lighting type, mounting ease, backup battery life, safety standards, and aesthetics are all important deliberations.
Evaluating these elements will help you choose the right emergency exit signs for your needs.
Lighting Type and Performance
When choosing emergency exit signs, you’ll want to ponder the lighting type and performance factors that best suit your needs.
LED lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and high visibility in low-light conditions, while photoluminescent signs provide a reliable and maintenance-free alternative powered by absorbed light energy.
The brightness of emergency exit lights is typically measured in foot-lamberts, with a minimum of 0.06 foot-lamberts required by UL 924 standards.
The color and intensity of these lights can also affect their visibility, with red lights being more visible in smoke-filled environments and green lights being more ideal in clear conditions.
Additionally, the duration of battery backup power in emergency exit signs is vital, as most are designed to provide at least 90 minutes of illumination during power outages.
Carefully evaluating your facility’s needs and the performance specifications of various lighting options can help guarantee you select the best emergency exit signs to keep your building and occupants safe.
Mounting and Installation Ease
In addition to pondering the lighting type and performance factors, you’ll also want to think about the mounting and installation ease of emergency exit signs for your facility.
Emergency exit signs can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or even at the end of a hallway, so consider which option works best for your space.
Many signs feature quick-connect back plates that make surface mounting a breeze, as they’re designed to fit standard junction boxes.
Keep in mind, though, that some signs may require drilling into the back for conduit, so be prepared for a bit more effort.
Installation is also simplified when signs come with the battery pre-connected – just make sure you plug it into the right terminal.
However, not all emergency exit signs include mounting screws or provide pre-drilled holes, so you may need to supply your own hardware.
Ultimately, following the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter is vital for proper installation and operation.
Backup Battery Life and Capacity
Typically, you’ll want to guarantee the backup battery life and capacity of any emergency exit signs you’re considering, as these factors are crucial for maintaining occupant safety during a power outage.
Emergency exit signs must provide a minimum of 90 minutes of backup power to certify sufficient time for everyone to evacuate, as mandated by UL 924 standards.
Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are a popular choice due to their long lifespan, low self-discharge rate, and reliable backup power. The capacity of the backup battery, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), directly impacts the length of the backup time.
However, factors like temperature, age, and usage can affect the battery backup life, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and maintenance.
Fortunately, rechargeable batteries with lifespans up to 50,000 hours are available, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing electronic waste.
Prioritizing backup battery life and capacity will help certify your emergency exit signs are ready to guide occupants to safety when the power goes out.
Compliance and Safety Standards
Alongside backup battery life and capacity, you’ll also want to guarantee any emergency exit signs you choose comply with essential safety standards to protect occupants in an emergency.
This means verifying the signs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.
Look for exit signs that are UL-listed and CE-marked, indicating they’ve been tested and approved for safety.
The signs should use photoluminescent or LED technology for maximum visibility, even during power outages.
Make sure the text, graphics, and color contrast are crisp and easy to read from a distance.
The signs should be placed at the right height and locations to be clearly visible.
Finally, consider adding directional signs to guide people towards the nearest exit.
Aesthetics and Design Options
Choosing emergency exit signs with thoughtful design and aesthetics can enhance their visibility and effectiveness in critical situations.
When selecting signs, consider the various shapes, sizes, and materials available, such as aluminum, ABS, and thermoplastic, to accommodate your specific mounting needs and environmental conditions.
The color and brightness of the signs are also vital factors, as red is often the preferred choice due to its high visibility in low-light emergencies.
Look for signs with adjustable heads or pivoting designs, which provide flexibility in directing occupants towards the nearest exit.
Ultimately, the overall design should prioritize simplicity, clarity, and visibility, ensuring the signs are easily recognized and understood when seconds count.
Energy Efficiency and Costs
When selecting emergency exit signs, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness are crucial factors to ponder.
LED-powered signs can slash energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in substantial long-term savings on utility bills. Additionally, LED exit signs boast an impressive lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering maintenance costs.
To further enhance energy efficiency, look for exit signs with low-wattage consumption, such as 3.5W or 5W. These models can minimize energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint.
Moreover, emergency exit signs with battery backup systems can provide up to 90 minutes of illumination during power outages, eliminating the need for additional energy sources.
Lastly, be aware that energy-efficient emergency exit signs may qualify for rebates and incentives from utility companies and government agencies, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.
Remote Lighting Capabilities
Emergency exit signs with remote lighting capabilities provide valuable versatility, enabling you to illuminate multiple areas simultaneously from a central location.
Many exit signs support remote LED lights with separate heads, which you can connect using a low-voltage cord. To guarantee compatibility, you’ll often need a JST XH 2.5 2pin female plug pigtail to connect the remote lights to the exit sign.
Remote lighting can be especially useful in large facilities or areas where you need to illuminate several exit signs at once.
However, it’s vital to check the product specifications before installation, as some emergency exit signs may have specific requirements or restrictions for remote lighting. Additionally, the maximum distance for remote capabilities may vary, so verify the remote lights are within the recommended range for proper operation.
Durability and Weatherproofing
Durable materials and weatherproofing are essential considerations when selecting emergency exit signs.
Thermoplastic ABS housing can withstand various environmental conditions and guarantee long-lasting performance, while a flame-retardant rating like UL-94-5VA safeguards against fire hazards.
For outdoor or damp installations, weatherproofing is vital, and signs with a damp location rating can operate safely in such conditions.
The IP rating, which measures resistance to solid objects and water, is another key factor to ponder.
Choosing signs with a suitable IP rating guarantees they can withstand exposure to the elements.
Additionally, a long-lasting and corrosion-resistant finish, such as powder-coating or anodization, helps maintain the sign’s appearance and functionality over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Properly Install Emergency Exit Signs?
To properly install emergency exit signs, mount them at eye level, guarantee they’re visible from all angles, and connect them to a backup power source. Follow local building codes and regulations to certify your signs meet safety requirements.
What Is the Difference Between LED and Photoluminescent Exit Signs?
Illuminating the difference, LED exit signs shine bright with power while photoluminescent signs bask in the light, passively glowing when the power’s out. The choice depends on your needs – one’s electric, the other’s electric-free.
How Often Should Emergency Exit Signs Be Inspected and Maintained?
You should inspect and maintain your emergency exit signs regularly, typically every 1-2 months, to verify they’re functioning correctly and meet safety standards. Regular checks help keep your building compliant and occupants safe in an emergency.
Can Emergency Exit Signs Be Customized for My Business Needs?
Yes, you can customize emergency exit signs for your business needs. Many manufacturers offer a range of sizes, colors, and text options to suit your specific requirements and guarantee compliance with local regulations.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Emergency Exit Sign Placement?
You’re in luck! The law mandates emergency exit signs be placed where they’re easily seen. Guarantee they’re strategically positioned to guide folks in a flash during an emergency. Gosh, safety shouldn’t be an afterthought, y’know?
Conclusion
When the lights go out and chaos reigns, these emergency exit signs will shine like a beacon, guiding you to safety.
Whether you’re in a high-rises or a humble abode, these UL-certified, energy-efficient heroes will guarantee you navigate the darkness with ease, keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.
Heed their call, for they’re the guardians of your well-being.
