Edge-Lit Exit Signs with emergency backup are designed to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination during a power outage. This is a standard requirement mandated by safety codes like NFPA 101 (the Life Safety Code) and ensures that occupants have adequate lighting to safely exit the building. Our Chicago Approved Edgelit Exit Sign is an example of a product that meets these stringent requirements.

One of the primary advantages of edge-lit signs is their installation flexibility. They can be surface-mounted directly to a wall, recessed for a flush, low-profile look, or end-mounted to project from a wall. Many models, such as the Edge Lit Thermoplastic Exit Sign, often include a canopy and mounting hardware that supports ceiling, wall, and end-mount applications, making them adaptable to nearly any architectural setting.

The LEDs in an Edge-Lit Exit Sign have a significantly long lifespan, often rated for 50,000 to 100,000 hours of continuous use. This exceptional longevity means you can expect 10 years or more of reliable, maintenance-free operation, making them a very cost-effective and dependable choice for your building's life safety system. Our LED exit signs department page offers a wide variety of these long-lasting products.

The Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries typically used in our exit signs generally have a lifespan of about 5 to 10 years, depending on environmental factors and the frequency of use. These signs are required to have a battery backup to meet OSHA regulations. We also offer models with self-diagnostic features that automatically test the battery and alert you when a replacement is needed, simplifying maintenance and ensuring compliance. You can find replacement batteries and other parts in our emergency ballasts and batteries section.