Exit signs are a critical component of a building's life-safety system, providing clear and illuminated guidance to the nearest exits during an emergency. Essential for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, these lighted signs ensure a safe and orderly evacuation, especially during power outages or low-visibility conditions. At Bees Lighting, we offer a comprehensive collection of reliable and code-compliant exit signs to meet the diverse needs of any project. From standard red and green lettered signs to more advanced emergency exit signs with battery backup and self-testing features, our selection guarantees performance when it matters most. Explore our range of durable and energy-efficient exit signs to enhance building safety and ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.
The Critical Role of Exit Signs in Building Safety and Compliance
In an emergency, every second counts. That's why clearly marked and reliable exit signs are not just a feature, but a fundamental necessity for the safety of any building. Their primary role is to provide unambiguous, visible guidance to the nearest escape routes during critical situations like fires, power failures, or other events requiring swift evacuation. In unfamiliar surroundings or when visibility is compromised by smoke, occupants rely entirely on these signs to navigate to safety, making properly functioning emergency exit signs a life-saving investment.
Adhering to Building and Safety Codes
Beyond their practical importance, exit signs are mandated by strict building and safety codes to ensure a universal standard of safety. Key regulatory bodies, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established comprehensive requirements for exit signs. These codes dictate several crucial factors:
- Visibility and Legibility: Regulations specify the exact size, color, and lettering of exit signs to ensure they are easily readable, even from a distance. The iconic "EXIT" lettering must meet specific height and stroke width requirements.
- Illumination: All emergency exit signs must be illuminated. This can be achieved through internal lighting or an external source. Crucially, in the event of a power outage, these signs must remain lit for a legally specified duration, typically at least 90 minutes, powered by a reliable battery backup or emergency generator.
- Placement: Codes mandate the precise location for exit signs, ensuring they are placed at all exit doors, intersections of corridors, and any point where the direction of egress is not immediately obvious. This creates a clear, uninterrupted path to safety from any point within the building.
- Maintenance and Testing: To guarantee reliability, regulations require regular inspection and testing of all exit signs and their backup power systems.
Failure to comply with these codes can result in significant penalties and, more importantly, can have devastating consequences in a real emergency. At Bees Lighting, we provide a wide array of exit signs designed to meet and exceed these stringent safety and building code requirements, ensuring your facility is both safe and compliant.
Find the Perfect Exit Sign for Any Application
Choosing the right exit sign depends on your building's specific needs, environmental conditions, and aesthetic goals. We offer a diverse selection to ensure you find the perfect match for safety, compliance, and design.
Durable Materials for Every Environment
The housing of an exit sign determines its durability and suitability for different locations.
- Thermoplastic Exit Signs: The most popular choice, thermoplastic signs are affordable, corrosion-resistant, and flame-retardant. Their lightweight, durable plastic housing makes them ideal for most indoor commercial applications like offices, schools, and retail spaces.
- Steel Exit Signs: For more demanding environments, steel exit signs offer superior durability and impact resistance. Their rugged construction is perfect for industrial facilities, warehouses, and areas prone to vandalism.
- Aluminum Exit Signs: Offering a sleek and premium look, aluminum exit signs combine durability with a modern aesthetic. They are lightweight, resist corrosion, and often feature a brushed finish, making them a great fit for upscale offices, hotels, and contemporary buildings.
Illumination, Power, and Technology
How an exit sign is lit is crucial to its function, especially during a power failure.
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Backlit vs. Edge-Lit:
- Backlit Signs: The traditional and most common style, where the letters "EXIT" are stenciled out and illuminated from behind for maximum visibility.
- Edge Lit Signs: These signs feature a clear or frosted acrylic panel with engraved letters. Light is projected into the edge of the panel, causing only the letters to glow brightly. This creates a sophisticated, low-profile look ideal for architectural applications.
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Power & Backup Options:
- AC Only Exit Signs: These hardwired signs operate on the building's main AC power and are suitable for facilities with a central emergency generator system that powers the circuit during an outage.
- Exit Signs with Battery Backup: The most common code-compliant solution, these signs contain a rechargeable battery. If the power goes out, the battery backup automatically activates, keeping the sign illuminated for at least 90 minutes.
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Power-Free Solutions:
- Photoluminescent Exit Signs: An eco-friendly option, these signs require no electricity or batteries. They absorb light from ambient sources and will glow brightly in complete darkness, making them zero-maintenance and energy-efficient.
- Tritium Exit Signs: Completely self-luminous, tritium signs use vials of tritium gas to provide illumination for 10-20 years without needing any power source or light exposure. They are perfect for remote locations or where running electricity is impractical.
Specialized and Combination Units
- Wet Location Exit Signs: Designed to withstand the elements, these signs feature waterproof seals and corrosion-proof hardware. They are essential for outdoor applications, parking garages, pool areas, and refrigerated environments.
- Exit Signs with Lights (Combo Units): For an all-in-one solution, combination units integrate a standard exit sign with one or two adjustable emergency light heads. This cost-effective fixture provides both egress path marking and emergency illumination for the area, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Choosing Your Color: Red vs. Green
- Red vs. Green Exit Signs: Both red and green lettered exit signs are approved for use by the NFPA and OSHA. While red is the more traditional color in the United States, green is often preferred for its international association with "go" and safety. The choice typically comes down to local code requirements or design preference.
Your Partner in Safety and Compliance
Navigating the requirements for building safety can be complex, but Bees Lighting is here to make it simple. Our extensive collection of exit signs and emergency lighting ensures you can find a reliable, code-compliant, and cost-effective solution for any project. From durable steel signs for industrial warehouses to sleek architectural signs for modern offices, our products are built to perform when it matters most. Protect your occupants and ensure your facility meets all legal safety standards. Browse our selection today or contact our lighting experts at 855-303-0665 for assistance in choosing the perfect exit signs for your needs.
