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
Connecticut recommends either sign, but you may see more green Exit signs. Like many states, Connecticut fire code is based on the "intent" of national and international codes, which highlights the primary goals of NFPA and UL code: that Exit signs should be illuminated to a certain level, that sign letters and background should be contrasting colors, and Exit lettering should be of a certain size. Recently, Connecticut passed a law that requires a building inspector and the fire marshal to make amendments to the state building code and the state fire safety code, particularly concerning floor-proximity path-marking that you may have in conjunction with your Exit signs. These new amendments require that a path-marking system be installed within 18 inches of the floor, with a clear path of travel toward the designated Exit. If you are considering marking your egress path to lead toward your Exits, green photoluminescent material will match a green Exit sign, for consistency and maximum visibility.
