What procurement teams and project engineers need to know before ordering

Exit signs and emergency lighting are often treated like “simple” line items—until an inspection, a remodel, or a rushed ship date turns them into a schedule risk. For facility managers, MRO buyers, and project engineers sourcing exit signs & emergency lighting across the United States, the fastest path is usually: specify to the adopted code in your jurisdiction, standardize on listed equipment, and document testing so the AHJ can say “yes” quickly.

The 3-part reality: OSHA, building/fire codes, and product listing

Most U.S. facilities end up navigating three overlapping layers:

1) OSHA workplace requirements (visibility + maintenance)
OSHA requires exit routes to be adequately lighted and exits to be marked by an “Exit” sign, with the line-of-sight to exit signage kept visible. OSHA also calls out illumination performance for exit signs (e.g., surface illumination levels and letter sizing). (osha.gov)
2) The locally adopted building/fire code (placement + when required)
Local jurisdictions typically adopt a version of the IBC/IFC and/or NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). These define where signs and emergency lighting are required (occupancy type, room use, travel path, etc.), and how they must function during normal and emergency conditions.
3) The product safety/performance listing (what the equipment must do)
For most commercial applications, inspectors commonly look for equipment listed to UL 924 (Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment). UL 924 aligns with performance expectations like operating during power loss for a minimum duration. (emergencylights.net)

Exit signs: what “compliant” usually means in plain language

While requirements vary by occupancy and local amendments, a strong baseline for U.S. commercial procurement is:

  • Visibility and marking: each exit must be clearly visible and marked “Exit.” (osha.gov)
  • Letter size and legibility: OSHA specifies minimum letter height and stroke width for the word “Exit.” (osha.gov)
  • Illumination: OSHA also specifies that exit signs must be illuminated to a minimum surface value by a reliable light source. (osha.gov)
  • Directional cues: when direction of travel isn’t obvious, use directional signage so people don’t hesitate at decision points. (osha.gov)

Emergency lighting: why “90 minutes” shows up everywhere

Emergency lighting is about keeping the egress path usable when normal power fails. UL 924 performance expectations commonly include a minimum 90-minute emergency duration during a power interruption. (usmadesupply.com)

NFPA 101 also addresses exit marking/illumination and inspection/testing expectations (including routine visual checks and testing for systems with battery-operated emergency illumination sources). (exitlightco.com)

Quick spec checklist for faster submittals (procurement-friendly)

Spec Item What to Decide Why It Matters
Listing UL 924 listed (exit sign/emergency lighting equipment) Often a first-pass “yes/no” item for inspectors and plan reviewers. (emergencylights.net)
Runtime 90-minute emergency operation Common baseline for emergency egress lighting duration. (usmadesupply.com)
Power method Self-contained battery, inverter, generator, or central battery Keeps egress visible during utility loss; choose what fits facility power architecture.
Mounting + arrows Wall/ceiling/end mount; chevrons where direction isn’t obvious Reduces confusion at turns and split corridors; supports OSHA direction marking. (osha.gov)
Environment rating Damp/wet location, cold storage, corrosive areas Avoids early failures and repeat call-outs—especially in washdown or outdoor egress paths.
Testing approach Self-testing vs manual; define documentation format NFPA 101 references ongoing inspection/testing; documentation helps during audits. (exitlightco.com)
“Not an Exit” marking Label doors that could be mistaken for an exit A small item that prevents big life-safety confusion. (osha.gov)

Did you know?

OSHA specifies exit sign illumination levels and minimum letter size.
That means “we bought an exit sign” isn’t enough—installation and visibility matter. (osha.gov)
UL 924 is a common listing referenced across U.S. life-safety expectations.
Buyers who standardize on UL 924 listed fixtures typically reduce resubmittals and field rework. (emergencylights.net)
NFPA 101 includes ongoing inspection and testing expectations for exit signs and emergency lighting.
The easiest time to plan documentation is before the first PO, not during a failed inspection. (exitlightco.com)

Step-by-step: how to spec exit signs & emergency lights with fewer surprises

1) Confirm the AHJ’s adopted code version (and any amendments)

Your Authority Having Jurisdiction (fire marshal/building department) determines what’s enforceable. Two facilities in the same state can differ by city adoption cycle or occupancy classification. If you’re buying for multiple sites, create a short “code profile” per location.

2) Standardize on UL 924 listed equipment unless the project clearly calls for a specialty option

If you need a procurement rule-of-thumb that helps nationwide: prioritize UL 924 listed exit signs and emergency lighting equipment for commercial egress applications. (emergencylights.net)

3) Decide the emergency power strategy early

Battery backup (self-contained) units are popular because they’re straightforward for retrofits and simplify coordination. Central inverter or generator-backed circuits can also work—especially in larger facilities—but they require tighter electrical coordination and clear documentation for inspectors.

4) Use signage to remove hesitation at decision points

Where the direction to an exit isn’t immediately apparent, OSHA expects additional signs to indicate the direction of travel, and it also requires exit lines-of-sight remain clear. (osha.gov)

5) Plan for testing and recordkeeping (especially for multi-site programs)

NFPA 101 addresses inspection/testing and allows monitored approaches; in real-world terms, you want a repeatable process that produces a report an inspector can understand. (exitlightco.com)

U.S. sourcing angle: simplify multi-city consistency without ignoring local code

If you manage projects across the United States (or support multiple facilities under one procurement umbrella), consistency is a competitive advantage. A practical approach is:

  • Create a “standard fixture family” (a few UL 924 listed SKUs covering common mounts and environments).
  • Keep alternates ready (cold storage, wet location, vandal-resistant housings).
  • Require submittals to include listing + runtime + wiring method, so local reviewers can verify quickly.
  • Align field labeling (panel schedules, circuit identification) so emergency power is easy to validate during inspections.
IFW Supply supports buyers who want that repeatable approach—helping teams match products to application needs and logistics requirements for U.S. and export programs.

Related IFW Supply resources

Fire protection and egress safety support
For broader fire protection equipment needs that complement life-safety planning, visit:

Safety product categories for facilities and MRO programs
Explore safety products that often support compliance and facility readiness:

Industrial and project supply support
If your project includes PVF, instrumentation, or facility infrastructure components:

Export-ready procurement support
For international projects requiring documentation, packing/crating, and shipping coordination:

Need help standardizing exit signs & emergency lighting for multiple facilities?

Share your site count, environment (dry/damp/wet/cold), mounting preferences, and any AHJ notes. IFW Supply can help you narrow to a clean, inspection-friendly spec and support quote-to-delivery planning.

FAQ: Exit signs & emergency lighting

What does OSHA require for exit signs?

OSHA requires each exit to be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading “Exit,” and it specifies illumination/visibility expectations (including keeping line-of-sight clear). OSHA also includes minimum letter sizing and exit sign illumination requirements. (osha.gov)

Do exit signs need battery backup?

Many installations use battery backup because it’s an easy way to keep the sign illuminated during a power outage. Codes often focus on performance (staying illuminated/visible during loss of normal power), which can also be achieved through an approved emergency power source depending on the design and jurisdiction. (emergencylights.net)

What is UL 924 and why do inspectors ask for it?

UL 924 is a product listing standard for emergency lighting and power equipment, commonly used to confirm the equipment meets emergency operation expectations (including minimum emergency duration). It’s widely recognized across many life-safety compliance paths. (emergencylights.net)

When do I need directional exit signs?

When the direction of travel to an exit or exit discharge isn’t immediately apparent, OSHA requires signs along the exit access indicating the direction to the nearest exit. (osha.gov)

How often should exit signs be checked?

NFPA 101 includes expectations for routine inspection of exit sign illumination and for testing of signs tied to battery-operated emergency illumination sources. Your AHJ may also have documentation preferences. (exitlightco.com)

What’s a common “miss” that causes rework?

Two frequent misses are (1) installing signage where it’s blocked from view, and (2) failing to mark doors that could be mistaken for an exit. OSHA explicitly addresses both visibility and “Not an Exit” markings. (osha.gov)

Glossary (quick definitions)

AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction): The local official (fire marshal, building department, etc.) who interprets and enforces the applicable code requirements for your facility.
Means of egress: The continuous path people use to exit a building safely, including corridors, doors, and stairs.
UL 924: A UL listing standard commonly used for emergency lighting and exit sign equipment performance (including operation during loss of normal power). (emergencylights.net)
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code): A widely used code that covers means of egress, emergency lighting, exit marking, and inspection/testing expectations for life-safety features. (exitlightco.com)
Self-contained (battery backup) unit: A fixture with an internal battery and charging circuit that powers the exit sign/emergency lights when normal power fails.

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