Emergency exit signs are mandatory in all places of business to help direct people out of an establishment quickly. Exit signs requirements differ from state to state, so make sure you are aware of your local codes before purchasing any new signs. With few exceptions, all states require that exits be clearly marked above a certain threshold of light output. The signs must remain lit at all times and be able to withstand smoke and fire to a certain time limit—usually measured in minutes.

Either incandescent light bulbs or more energy efficient LED lights can light exit signs. LED has lower power consumption and maintenance costs as they burn cool and last for hundreds of thousands of hours.  The LEDs also glow bright than any incandescent bulb on the market.

New on the market are Photoluminecent (Glow-In-The-Dark) Exit signs. These signs are not connected to any source of electric power, require no batteries, and have no bulbs to change. They incorporate the same technology that the Navy Seals use in their watches. The signs glow due to chemical reactions between multiple layers of printed film. Inside is an admixture of elements that will glow for years without ever needing a power source and never requiring replacement. The major advantage of these is that no matter what the situation, no matter what outages, fires, or flooding that might affect the building.  These are fairly new on the market and should me more available as time goes on.

Exit alarms announce the unauthorized use of a door with up to a 95 decibel directional alarm. When the door is linked to a remote indicating panel, it can alert a central security station of use. Some come with special keys to allow authorized personnel to use the door freely and the door alarm can function as a “door propped open” alarm. These can be either AC-powered or battery operated. They can adapt to most doors and install easily. The alarms can be used on retro-fit or new construction and can be surface mount or flush mound designs.