Collection: New York Approved Exit & Emergency

New York City has its own building code that predates many national standards. The city requires 8-inch high letters (vs. the national standard of 6 inches) to improve visibility in smoke-filled environments, a lesson learned from the city's history of high-rise fires.

Generally, no. New York City codes require "non-combustible" materials for exit signs in almost all commercial applications. This means you must use a steel exit sign or aluminum housing. Thermoplastic signs used elsewhere in the US are typically not allowed.

Historically, NYC required a specific "Calendar Number" or Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) approval number stamped on the sign. While modern codes have aligned more with UL listings, many inspectors still look for NYC Approved documentation to ensure the sign meets the 8-inch letter and steel housing requirements.

Yes. Even though they are built to NYC specifics, our New York exit signs are also UL 924 Listed, ensuring they meet the electrical safety and 90-minute battery backup standards required for insurance and liability.

No. Red is the mandated color for the word "EXIT" in New York City. While some other states allow or require green, NYC strictly enforces the use of Red exit signs.

An exit sign identifies an exit using illuminated lettering, while an emergency light illuminates the walking path during a power outage. A sign-and-light combo combines these functions in one fixture.

Separate fixtures let you position the exit marker and lighting heads independently. A combo is useful when both functions are needed in the same location, provided its lighting output and mounting arrangement suit the layout.

Match the mounting method to the fixture’s location, viewing direction, and available mounting surface. Confirm the model supports wall, ceiling, side, or recessed installation and includes the required mounting hardware.

Compare light output, beam coverage, head adjustability, input voltage, and rated backup runtime. Use the manufacturer’s spacing or photometric information to evaluate coverage rather than selecting fixtures by head count alone.

Suitability depends on the individual model’s moisture and temperature ratings. Choose a fixture specifically rated for the exposure at the installation location; an indoor rating should not be assumed suitable outdoors.