There is often confusion over which colors are allowed when choosing an Exit sign for your building. Exit sign requirements vary by state and municipality, which is why it's important to check with your Fire Marshall to see whether Green Exit Signs
or Red Exit Signs are required in your building. The information below is for general guidance, only. For many, however, it is also important to get a “sense” of any color preference – so that your building is as consistent as possible with others in your area. Even though the European Union generally uses Green
Exit Signs (Red is used to specify prohibited actions), our UL 924 standards allow either Green Exit signs or Red Exit signs. Yet, localized codes often specify one or the
other.
State Summary
The Little Rock area requires mostly red Exit signs; however, it is acceptable to use green Exit signs as well. Arkansas has a historically proactive energy code system as well. The first Arkansas Energy Code was enacted in 1979,based on the 1977 Model Code for Energy Conservation in New Building Construction. Since 1993, the AEO has had the authority to adopt new standards through a rule-making process. The new 2004 Arkansas Energy Code, based on the 2003 IECC, was effective October 1, 2004. It is best to ask your local fire marshal for the best advice concerning the color of your Exit sign, as well as the correct type of contrast they may prefer.
