Exit signs have been mandatory in commercial and multi-unit residential buildings for decades, ensuring safety and compliance. The most commonly used exit signs feature either green or red lettering, both of which are generally accepted nationwide. However, some states have specific preferences outlined in their building codes.
In this blog, we’ll provide essential information about exit signs, including compliance tips and state-specific regulations. Keep reading to learn more!
Exit signs are most often red or green due to how people perceive these colors in emergency situations. Red is generally viewed as a warning signal, while green is associated with safety and the directive to go.
Red Exit Sign:
Older or non-standard buildings may still use red exit signs. This practice originated in some European and American countries.
In the U.S., the red exit sign is the traditional version, especially in old buildings or industrial settings. Besides, some states still use red exit signs because of local fire requirements. In high ambient lighting conditions, red exit signs are more visible to attract people.
Green Exit Sign:
In most countries, green is psychologically associated with safety. Therefore, green exit signs are often perceived as more reassuring in emergencies. The green exit sign also has better visibility at night. Green reflects better in darkness or smoke. It is more conducive to guiding people to escape in an emergency power outage or fire.
For instance, in places such as hospitals, nursing facilities and schools that require a calm atmosphere, the safety exit signs need to be both conspicuous and not disrupt the tranquility of the environment. In such cases, a green exit sign may be more appropriate than a red one, because red may cause anxiety, especially in an environment where calmness is required.
Red exit signs indicate a direct path of escape during an emergency. A green alternative encourages people to go toward a specific direction to get away from a building when unexpected circumstances exist.
Some jurisdictions are moving away from red exit signs because this color is also considered a ‘stop’ indicator. In addition, red is also less visible from a distance than green, which is why large buildings with open spaces opt for that exit sign color. If you're unsure of what color your exit sign should be, it's best to speak with your local officials about the local emergency requirements in your area. The building inspector or fire marshal can offer the information you need in most places.
The first step is to review the rules of exit sign lighting in your area. Each U.S. state sets its own exit sign requirements, which may vary further by city.
Only three states require red exit lights in the United States: South Carolina, Rhode Island, and Illinois.
That's more than the two states that require green exit lights: Maryland and Utah.
Most states allow red and green lights or let cities choose what they prefer. Some states recommend a specific color, but that doesn't mean a complete requirement exists to use it.
No matter what color you choose, it's important to use LED exit lights whenever possible. This energy-efficient technology lasts for up to 25 years in this application, using just 1.5 watts for a single-face sign. An incandescent bulb may consume up to 40 watts and require replacement after 1,000–2,000 operating hours.
Some buildings may qualify to use photoluminescent signs. The local code will let you know if a dedicated light source is necessary to charge it.
Exit signs haven't changed much in the past century. In the United States, most of them say “EXIT" in large letters with red or green illumination.
Buildings that are 75 feet tall or higher must include pictograms to ensure an efficient exiting procedure is available.
If photoluminescence isn't practical for where an exit sign must be installed, consider LED-based exit signs. It might require more maintenance, but the lighting will last for several years, even with 24/7 use. Whether you choose red or green depends on what your local rules say to do.
Several regulatory agencies provide feedback on the emergency sign and lighting requirements in each jurisdiction. That includes the National Fire Protection Association, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
These regulators work in conjunction with the International Fire and Building Codes.
Local authorities have jurisdiction over specific exit sign requirements, including the colors and lighting used for them. Although red and green exit signs are typically acceptable, you can find variations. The Building Code in Helena, Montana, requires orange.
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OSHA and the NFPA don't have a specific color recommendation for exit signs in their policies. Their requirements involve using a distinctive tone that contrasts with the background.
Most people recommend using red or green based on the building's setup. Since people may react differently during emergencies, the goal is to maximize clarity and visibility.
Most building codes require a standalone battery-operated exit sign to be tested each year for at least 90 minutes.
If you have a hardwired exit sign with red or green emergency lights, it must receive a 30-second test at least once per month, even if it has a battery backup power source. Since every emergency exit requires a sign, it can be challenging to maintain an entire system. That’s why exit signs with self-testing functions are a practical choice. This technology produces the reports needed to show that the maintenance complies with the regulations.
A photoluminescent exit sign doesn't require electricity when it's installed in a well-lit space. That fact reduces the maintenance requirements dramatically.
The color code for emergency exit signs is primarily green in most international safety standards. NFPA 101 requires exit signs to be green or white, with green being the preferred color for clarity. ISO 3864 designates green for “safety instructions” and safe areas, including emergency exits. OSHA specifies that exit signs must be green or red, but green is standard for accessible exits.
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