A signage legend is the word, symbol, or directional indicator displayed on an emergency exit sign. In North America, the legend is typically the word EXIT, often accompanied by directional arrows. Emergency exit signs installed in the United States and Canada are commonly certified to UL 924, the standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment, ensuring reliable operation during power failures. EXIT The word EXIT is the standard emergency sign legend throughout North America. It identifies the location of an approved means of egress and remains illuminated whenever the building is occupied. If normal power is interrupted, the sign automatically switches to battery backup, typically providing at least 90 minutes of emergency operation. You’ll find EXIT signs in nearly every commercial and industrial facility, including: Office buildings Manufacturing plants Warehouses Schools Hospitals Hotels Shopping centers EXIT with Directional Arrow Many exit signs include removable or illuminated directional arrows to indicate the direction occupants should travel. Common configurations include: EXIT ← – Exit located to the left EXIT → – Exit located to the right EXIT ↓ – Continue straight ahead or descend to a lower level (depending on installation) EXIT ↑ – Less common but used where permitted by local code Selecting the correct arrow is essential because an incorrectly installed sign can misdirect occupants during an emergency. Running Man with Arrow Legends Means Running Man + Arrow Up Go straight ahead. Use this to direct people towards the exit route in a forward direction. Running Man + Arrow Down Continue forward or descend stairs ahead. NOT to look down — it’s about forward travel on the same plane or downward level. Running Man + Arrow Left / Right Turn left or right to follow the escape route. These are positioned at decision points, like corridor junctions. Running Man with a Doorway (No Arrow) Final exit — place directly above the door to the outside or safety zone. Single-Face and Double-Face EXIT Signs The legend itself remains the same, but the viewing direction changes. Single-face signs display the EXIT legend on one side only and are typically mounted against a wall. Double-face signs display the EXIT legend on both sides, making them ideal for corridors or suspended ceiling installations where occupants may approach from either direction. Red vs. Green EXIT Legends One question frequently asked is whether EXIT signs should be red or green. In North America, both colors are permitted by many building codes, provided they meet visibility and illumination requirements. Red EXIT Signs Red has traditionally been the most common color in the United States and remains widely used in commercial and industrial buildings. Advantages include: Familiar appearance High visibility Commonly specified in renovation projects Green EXIT Signs Green EXIT signs have become increasingly popular because green is commonly associated with safety and evacuation. Many newer facilities choose green signage to align with international safety practices or company standards. Ultimately, the acceptable color depends on the applicable local building and fire codes. Chevron Inserts and Field-Selectable Arrows Many modern UL 924 exit signs feature field-selectable directional arrows Instead of purchasing separate left- and right-arrow models, installers simply remove the appropriate chevron insert during installation. This provides: Easier inventory management Faster installation Greater flexibility if building layouts change Emergency Lighting Combo Units Some emergency products combine an EXIT sign with two adjustable emergency light heads. These combination units provide two important functions during a power outage: Clearly identify the exit location Illuminate the evacuation path They are commonly installed in commercial buildings where both exit identification and emergency illumination are required. Choosing the Right EXIT Sign When specifying an emergency exit sign, consider: UL 924 certification Battery backup duration (minimum 90 minutes) LED illumination Single- or double-face configuration Field-selectable directional arrows Red or green legend requirements Damp, wet, or hazardous location ratings if applicable Ambient operating temperature For industrial facilities, marine environments, and hazardous locations, selecting an appropriately certified emergency exit sign is essential to maintain both safety and code compliance. Understanding these common signage legends allows engineers, contractors, and facility managers to select the correct emergency lighting solution while meeting North American safety standards. At GRINSAFE, we offer UL 924 certified emergency exit signs and emergency lighting solutions designed for demanding industrial, marine, and hazardous environments. Our products combine reliable emergency performance with rugged construction to help customers achieve safe, code-compliant installations.
