Exit Signs (IBC Section 1011)

Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Intervening means of egress doors within exits shall be marked by exit signs. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is more than 100 feet (30,480 mm) or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign.

Exceptions:

1. Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access.
2. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the building official.
3. Exit signs are not required in occupancies in Group U and individual sleeping units or dwelling units in Group R-1, R-2, or R-3.
4. Exit signs are not required in dayrooms, sleeping rooms or dormitories in occupancies in Group I-3.
5. In occupancies in Groups A-4 and A-5, exit signs are not required on the seating side of dormitories or openings into seating areas where exit signs are provided in the concourse that are readily apparent from the dormitories. Egress lighting is provided to identify each dormitory or opening within the seating area in an emergency.

Illumination (IBC Section 1011.2)

Exit signs must be internally or externally illuminated.

Exceptions: Tactile signs required by Section 1011.3 need not be provided with illumination.

Tactile Exit Signs (IBC Section 1011.3)

A tactile sign stating “EXIT” and complying with ICC A117.1 shall be provided adjacent to each door to an area of refuge, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an exit stairway, an exit ramp, an exit passageway and the exit discharge.

Internally Illuminated Exit Signs (IBC Section 1011.4)

Electrically powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Chapter 27. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.

Externally Illuminated Exit Signs (IBC Section 1011.5)

Externally illuminated exit signs shall comply with Sections 1011.5.1 through 1011.5.3

Power Source (IBC Section 1011.5.3)

Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes in case of primary power loss, the sign illumination means shall be connected to an emergency power system provided from storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.

Exception:

Approved exit sign illumination means that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources for a duration of not less than 90 minutes, in case of primary power loss, are not required to be connected to an emergency electrical system.

Photoluminescent exit signs do not require any battery or electrical backup.

Actual photograph of photoluminescent exit signs installed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB),

part of the White House Complex (Note: the integrity of the EEOB’s historic fabric was maintained)