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
Delaware recommends red Exit signs, but will accept any color. As part of the Delaware State fire prevention regulations, new buildings and buildings that are an "inimicable hazard" will revert to the standard Life Safety Code, which does not specify color, but does give the standard requirements for the Exit sign and its subsequent egress illumination equipment. NFPA 101 is used to provide the "reasonable level" of safety, placing the importance of contrast, location, and luminance above color. Standard Exit Sign lighting is determined by NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, or individually by the Fire Marshal. While fire marshals may base their decisions on the Life Safety Code, there are certain variances that are completely their decision, such as the particular color and background of the Exit Sign.
