What Are Exit Signs?

Exit signs are illuminated life safety signs used to identify the path to egress doors and exits during normal conditions and, where required, during power failure. In modern installations, most use LED light sources for long service life and low power draw. Depending on the model, an exit sign may be fed from normal AC power only, from an emergency circuit, or from an internal battery system that keeps the sign illuminated when normal power is lost. Some units are plain exit signs, while others are combo units that include remote-capable or fixed emergency lighting heads for corridor or door-area illumination.

Where Are Exit Signs Used?

Exit signs are used in offices, schools, apartment common areas, retail spaces, warehouses, restaurants, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and public buildings. Typical placements include above exit doors, at corridor intersections, stairwells, and along egress routes where the direction of travel must remain clear under emergency conditions. In retrofit work, they are often selected to match existing mounting points and electrical rough-in. In new construction, they are usually coordinated with emergency lighting layout, ceiling type, wall construction, and the building's emergency power strategy.

How To Choose Exit Signs

Start with the application. First confirm whether the project needs a dedicated exit sign, a self-powered sign with battery backup, or a combo unit. Then choose single-face or double-face construction based on viewing direction. Next confirm mounting style: wall, ceiling, or end mount. Housing material matters too. Steel housings are common where a more robust commercial finish is preferred, while thermoplastic housings are often chosen for lighter-duty interiors and cost-sensitive jobs. Also verify voltage, typically 120/347V in many Canadian commercial buildings, and check whether directional chevrons or arrows must be field-selectable or factory configured. For service work, matching the installed brand or footprint can reduce labour. For new work, standardising on one family can simplify testing, replacement parts, and maintenance training.

Trade Rules Of Thumb

As a practical rule of thumb, use LED exit signs for nearly all new commercial installations unless a specific legacy replacement requirement dictates otherwise. Single-face units are typically used when the sign is mounted against a wall and viewed from one direction, while double-face units are commonly used in corridors or open areas where approach is possible from both sides. Combo units are often a good fit near final exits, small floor plates, and simple corridor layouts because they can reduce the number of separate devices and branch connections. For maintenance departments, standardising battery type, housing family, and test procedure across a site can reduce service time. These are practical buying rules only and not a substitute for applicable code and design requirements.

Sizing Guidelines

Exit signs are not sized like branch circuit equipment, but there are still key selection checks. Confirm sign visibility and face orientation for the approach path. Confirm the electrical supply voltage and whether the unit is rated for the building standard, often 120V, 347V, or universal input depending on the product family. If selecting a self-powered or combo unit, review battery duration, lamp or head capacity, and whether remote heads are supported. For larger spaces or long corridors, do not assume one combo unit can replace a full emergency lighting layout. Typical practice is to treat the sign function and the emergency illumination function as related but separate design checks. Final placement, spacing, and emergency coverage should be verified against the project drawings and applicable code requirements.

Common Installation Practices

Installers typically confirm the viewing direction before rough-in so the correct canopy, backplate, and face arrangement are on site. Ceiling and end-mount units should be checked for clearance, especially in finished spaces with bulkheads, T-bar ceilings, or exposed structure. Directional arrows are usually removed or activated according to the approved egress path, so field crews should verify the life safety drawings before energising. On battery units, commissioning normally includes charging, functional testing, and recording the installation date for maintenance records. In retrofit work, electricians often replace older incandescent or fluorescent exit signs with LED units to reduce call-backs related to lamp failure and ballast issues.

Common Mistakes

Common ordering mistakes include choosing the wrong face type, forgetting the mounting kit or canopy, ordering AC-only units where emergency operation is required, and assuming all housings accept the same field configuration. Another frequent issue is selecting a combo unit for a space that really needs separate emergency heads or a central emergency lighting design. On service jobs, crews sometimes replace a failed unit without checking supply voltage, battery condition, or whether the original installation was tied into a specific emergency circuit arrangement. It is also easy to overlook aesthetic and practical fit, such as housing depth, finish, and whether the replacement will cover existing wall marks or junction box locations.

Brand Comparisons

Aimlite, Beghelli, Ready-lite, Ortech, and Etlin Daniels are all recognised names in this category, but they may be preferred for different reasons depending on the job. Aimlite and Ready-lite are commonly specified on commercial and institutional projects where broad emergency lighting families, replacement support, and project consistency matter. Beghelli is widely cross-shopped for commercial life safety applications and is often considered where contractors want a familiar emergency lighting line with a broad catalogue. Ortech can be a practical choice for standard commercial requirements where value and straightforward product selection are priorities. Etlin Daniels is often considered for everyday commercial electrical supply needs and can be a suitable option for many standard applications. When matching an existing building standard, staying with the installed brand may simplify appearance, parts compatibility, and maintenance. When pricing a new project, comparing housing style, voltage options, battery configuration, and lead time is usually more useful than comparing brand name alone.

Related Products

Exit signs are commonly purchased with emergency lighting units, combo emergency light and exit sign fixtures, remote emergency heads, replacement batteries, test switches, canopies, mounting accessories, and branch circuit protection components. On renovation projects, contractors may also need junction boxes, cover plates, wire connectors, flexible conduit, and control or emergency circuit labelling materials. If the site uses a broader life safety package, it is also common to coordinate exit signs with emergency lighting inverters, central battery systems, and fire alarm interface requirements where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an AC-only exit sign and a self-powered exit sign?

An AC-only exit sign operates from the building power source and does not provide its own emergency illumination unless it is connected to an appropriate emergency supply arrangement. A self-powered exit sign includes an internal battery so the sign remains illuminated during a power failure for its rated emergency duration.

When should I use a combo unit instead of a standard exit sign?

Use a combo unit when you need both exit identification and local emergency lighting from one assembly. This is common near final exits, small commercial spaces, and simple corridors. It is less suitable when the area needs a more detailed emergency lighting layout or remote fixture placement.

Do I need a single-face or double-face exit sign?

Use a single-face sign when the sign is mounted against a wall and only needs to be read from one direction. Use a double-face sign when people may approach from either side, such as in corridors, open areas, or suspended ceiling mounts.

Are LED exit signs worth replacing older lamp-based units with?

In most cases, yes. LED exit signs generally reduce maintenance, lower energy use, and avoid many of the lamp and ballast issues seen in older incandescent or fluorescent units. They are a common retrofit choice in commercial buildings.

What voltage should I order for a commercial building in Canada?

That depends on the building electrical system and the product rating. Many Canadian commercial buildings use 120V or 347V lighting circuits, and many exit sign families are available in multi-voltage versions. Always confirm the supply at the installation point before ordering.

Can I choose exit signs based only on appearance?

No. Appearance matters, especially in finished spaces, but the main selection factors are code compliance, viewing direction, mounting method, power source, emergency operation, and serviceability. A clean-looking unit that does not match the electrical or life safety requirement is the wrong product.