When you look up to find an exit sign, you'll likely see one of two colors illuminating the word "EXIT": red or green. Have you ever wondered why there are two options and if one is inherently better or more compliant than the other? The choice between red and green exit signs isn't arbitrary; it's rooted in history, psychology, and, most importantly, building and safety codes. Let's shed some light on the reasons behind this colorful duality.
The Traditional Choice: Red Exit Signs
Red has a long-standing association with danger and emergency. Think of fire trucks, stop signs, and emergency stop buttons. This ingrained connection is a primary reason why red has historically been the dominant color for exit signs in the United States. The bold, attention-grabbing nature of red is intended to immediately signal an emergency and the way to safety.
Furthermore, older electrical discharge lamps often produced a strong red light, making it a practical and readily available color for early illuminated exit signs. This historical prevalence has contributed to its continued widespread use and acceptance.
The International Shift: Green Exit Signs
While red holds a strong tradition in the US, green exit signs have gained significant traction and are the standard in many other parts of the world. The rationale behind green is often linked to the color's association with "go" and safety (think of green traffic lights or first aid signage). Proponents argue that green is more universally understood as indicating a safe passage or an allowed action.
Additionally, advancements in LED technology have made it easier to produce bright and energy-efficient green light, contributing to its increased adoption. Many believe that the softer, more natural feel of green light can also be less alarming and easier on the eyes in stressful situations.
What the Codes Say: NFPA and UL on Color
The primary national standards provide little explicit direction on the color of the "EXIT" lettering.
- NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®: While the Life Safety Code is very specific about the size, stroke width, and visibility of exit signs, it permits the word "EXIT" to be in a plainly legible color. This leaves the choice largely open, provided the sign is sufficiently contrasting against its background.
- UL 924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment: Similarly, UL 924 focuses on the performance and reliability of the exit sign (like battery backup and illumination levels) rather than mandating a specific color for the lettering.
This lack of strict national color regulation is why both red and green exit signs are widely accepted and considered compliant across much of the United States.
State and Local Codes: Who Has the Final Say?
While the debate between red and green is interesting, the most important question for any building owner is: "What does the law require?" The answer is layered, starting with a flexible national standard and ending with strict local rules.
The State-Level Standard
The vast majority of states do not have a unique, standalone building code. Instead, they adopt model codes developed by national organizations, primarily the NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® and the International Building Code® (IBC®).
These foundational codes are very specific about an exit sign's size, visibility, and backup power, but they do not mandate a specific color. They simply require the sign to be of a "distinctive color," which means that at the state level, both red and green are typically compliant.
For example, South Carolina has adopted the 2021 IBC. A review of this state-level code confirms there is no specific color requirement, making both red and green signs acceptable.
Local Mandates: The Ultimate Authority
The most critical rule in code compliance is that your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—your city or county fire marshal—has the final say. These local authorities can, and often do, enforce rules that are stricter than the state code.
Here are the most well-known examples of local mandates:
- New York City: The NYC building code famously requires that all exit signs must use RED lettering. This is a non-negotiable requirement within the five boroughs.
- Chicago: The Windy City's code focuses on durability, mandating that all exit signs have a heavy-duty steel housing. While the code doesn't explicitly name a color, RED lettering is the traditional and overwhelmingly common choice used with these compliant steel signs.
- Other Jurisdictional Trends: Some areas have moved in the opposite direction. Cities like Seattle and the state of Oregon, for example, have shown a strong preference for GREEN exit signs to align with international standards where green universally means "go" or "safe."
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These examples prove why you must always confirm requirements with your local code enforcement office before purchasing or installing exit signs.
The Bottom Line: Compliance and Clarity
Ultimately, both red and green exit signs can be compliant in most of the United States, as long as they meet the other requirements for size, visibility, and illumination outlined in the NFPA and UL standards. The choice often comes down to local code requirements or even personal preference. However, always prioritize adherence to any state or city-specific mandates to ensure your building is safe and legally compliant.
If you have any questions about the specific exit sign color requirements in your area or need assistance in selecting the right signs for your facility, the experts at Bees Lighting are here to help. Contact us at 855-303-0665.
