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Think of emergency exit signs as the silent guides in a building — the ones that point people to safety when every second counts. Choosing the right sign isn’t just about looks; it’s about visibility, reliability, and meeting safety codes. Whether you’re outfitting an office, warehouse, school, or retail location, the right exit signage helps prevent panic and speeds safe evacuation. Let’s walk through the options, the top U.S. suppliers, and practical tips so you can buy with confidence.
Not all exit signs are created equal. The main choices are photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark), LED illuminated, and battery-backed/hardwired electric signs. Each type has strong use cases depending on building layout, budget, and code requirements. I’ll break down the strengths and trade-offs so you can match the sign to the situation.
Photoluminescent signs charge with ambient light and glow during power loss — no wiring, no batteries. They’re great for long corridors and stairwells where installation costs need to be low. They’re lightweight, low maintenance, and can remain visible for many minutes after lights go out. Just remember they need regular exposure to light to recharge and may be less bright than LED options at long viewing distances.
LED signs deliver bright, consistent illumination and long lifespans. They’re energy efficient, typically run at a few watts, and provide steady visibility at greater distances. LED fixtures come in single- or double-faced models and can be ceiling- or wall-mounted. If you want a modern look with strong visibility for large rooms or busy public spaces, LEDs are a popular choice.
Battery-backed signs combine the reliability of LED lamps with a battery pack that keeps the sign lit during power outages. Hardwired signs are connected to building power and are often paired with an emergency power source. Battery-backed units are easy to retrofit, while hardwired systems are ideal for new construction or major remodels where code requires connection to emergency power circuits.
If you’re shopping for signs, several national retailers and specialty suppliers make it easy to compare models, prices, and compliance options. Below are some of the most trusted names that serve both commercial buyers and DIY installers, along with what they’re best known for.
The Home Depot carries a broad selection of LED and battery-backed exit signs for contractors and homeowners. You’ll find economical, code-friendly choices and accessories like replacement batteries and mounting hardware. If you value convenient in-store pickup and a large selection of well-known brands, this is a solid starting point.
Lowe’s offers a similar mix of LED and photoluminescent signs, plus basic installation supplies. Their store network makes it easy to inspect sample units in person, and their online catalogs include spec sheets that help you confirm UL listings and electrical requirements before ordering.
Grainger is a go-to supplier for facilities managers and industrial buyers, with a wide range of heavy-duty, code-compliant signs. You’ll find options for high-visibility areas, tamper-resistant models, and multi-unit bulk purchasing. Grainger’s focus is durability and compliance, which is why many warehouses and manufacturing sites rely on them.
Uline focuses on industrial and commercial customers, offering robust photoluminescent strips and traditional exit signage geared toward high-traffic environments. Their catalog is especially useful if you need large quantities or custom sizes for industrial settings.
Seton and SafetySign specialize in safety signage and labels. Both offer a wide range of customization options, from size and color to specific pictograms and language variants. If you need custom wording, ADA-compliant alternatives, or signs with your company logo, these suppliers make the process straightforward.
Amazon marketplace lists everything from budget LED signs to premium photoluminescent panels, with user reviews that help vet real-world performance. Global Industrial is another solid choice for bulk orders and business-focused product lines, with quick shipping across the country.
Fastenal is ideal if you want industrial-grade mounting hardware, emergency lighting fixtures, and onsite inventory solutions. McMaster-Carr is a great resource for niche mounting parts and specialty fasteners if your installation is nonstandard or requires unique brackets.
Choosing the right sign boils down to five questions: What codes apply? How far do people need to see it? Will the sign be exposed to moisture or dust? Do you need custom branding or multilingual text? And what’s the long-term budget? Answer those and you’ll narrow the options quickly.
Make sure signs meet NFPA and OSHA requirements for exit access and illumination. UL 924 certification is often required for electrical and emergency lighting products, signaling independent verification that a sign will perform during a power loss. Check local building codes too — municipalities sometimes have stricter rules about colors, pictograms, or mounting.
Common sign sizes include 7 inches by 10 inches or 12 inches by 18 inches, but large open spaces may call for bigger signs. As a rule of thumb, a well-lit LED sign that’s 12 inches wide is readable from 100 feet or more, while smaller photoluminescent signs are best for closer corridors under 50 feet. Use bold sans-serif fonts and high contrast — green or red backgrounds with white text are the norm.
Mount exit signs so that the bottom edge is typically 7 to 8 feet above the finished floor, and ensure they’re visible along the primary path of egress. Signs should be placed at each door or exit landing, above exit doors, and at directional decision points like corridor intersections. In long corridors, place signs every 75 to 100 feet so people can always see where to go.
Proper installation and routine maintenance keep signs reliable when they’re needed most. You don’t need to be an electrician to do basic installs, but for hardwired and interconnected systems, bringing in a licensed electrician is smart and often required by code.
Before mounting, verify the sign’s UL listing and read the manufacturer’s wiring diagram. For ceiling mounts, use the supplied bracket or an approved universal plate. For battery-backed units, confirm the battery is properly connected and secured. Always turn off the circuit before making wire connections, and use wire nuts and conduit where required.
Test battery-backed signs monthly by simulating a power outage and ensuring the sign remains lit. Most manufacturers recommend a 90-minute full-discharge test annually. Replace batteries every 2 to 5 years depending on manufacturer guidance and test results. Clean lenses with a soft cloth; avoid harsh solvents that can fog protective coatings.
Both technologies have pros and cons. LEDs are bright, consistent, and excel in large, well-lit interiors. Photoluminescent signs save energy, require no wiring, and are low maintenance — but they rely on “charging” from ambient light and may be less visible at extreme distances. Think of LEDs as a bright flashlight and photoluminescent signs as a glow stick — each has times when it’s ideal.
If you want exit signs that match your brand or include bilingual text, look to suppliers like Seton, SafetySign, and specialty sign shops. Custom options can include unique colors, company logos, larger sizes, and language variants. Just ensure that any customization still meets local code and maintains required color contrast and pictogram standards.
Emergency exit signs range from about $10 for a basic photoluminescent tag to $150 or more for premium LED, battery-backed or hardwired fixtures. Bulk orders reduce per-unit costs, and industrial suppliers often negotiate discounts for facilities managers. For small businesses on a tight budget, a mix of photoluminescent signs in low-traffic areas and LED units for main egress points balances cost and safety.
LED exit signs are already energy-efficient, often drawing less than 5 watts. Photoluminescent signs use no electricity and can be an eco-friendly choice in the right locations. If sustainability is important, prioritize long-life LEDs with replaceable batteries and consider recycling battery packs through approved programs when they’re retired.
Before purchasing, ask: Is the sign UL 924 listed? Does it meet NFPA and local codes? Is the viewing distance adequate? Do you need a battery backup or hardwired connection? Will customization affect compliance? Answer these and you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure your signs do the job when it matters most.
Start by mapping your building’s egress routes and listing all decision points and doors. Measure corridor lengths in feet and estimate viewing distance needs. Then compare products from national retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s for basic options, and turn to Grainger, Uline, Seton, or SafetySign for industrial-grade or custom solutions. If you’re unsure about electrical requirements, consult a licensed electrician to verify wiring and emergency power arrangements.
Emergency exit signs are small investments that provide huge peace of mind. Whether you choose photoluminescent panels for back corridors or bright LED signs for public areas, the keys are compliance, visibility, and proper installation. Use the checklist above, shop trusted suppliers, and make maintenance part of your routine. A little planning today keeps people safer tomorrow — and that’s worth every dollar.
