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
While the Idaho fire marshal recommends green Exit signs for "ambiance" lighting, they gladly accept any color Exit sign. The lettering must contrast with the background, and all Exit signs must have the minimum standards candle power of 5 candles, of course. The fire marshal values contrast between your Idaho Exit sign and the room in which it is installed, which is a logical rule to follow in any state. Similarly, the "running man" graphic is increasingly used in U.S. states, and is required in some. This graphic makes it clear where to go for a safe Exit, and crosses all language barriers. This graphic type of Exit Sign is used all over the world, crossing language barriers and making Exit Signs even easier to see and recognize.
