Watch & learnInstallation / 4 min
How to install an exit sign
See the mounting and wiring process, with important safety guidance.
The Exit Light Co. / Field guides
The School of Egress
Straightforward help for exit signs and emergency lighting—from code basics to installation. Find your topic, get the practical answer, then confirm project details with your local authority.
A practical reference library
Explore by topic
Start with the pillar that matches your project. The most-used guides are listed here, with deeper resources one click away.
Know the requirements
01 / Codes & regulations
National model codes and the requirements that shape egress lighting.
- International Building Code® (IBC)
- International Fire Code® (IFC)
- NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®Exit marking, emergency lighting & runtime
- NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®
Install with confidence
02 / Installation help
Practical video and written walkthroughs. Electrical installation should be performed by a qualified professional.
- Install an exit sign
- Connect a remote head
- Splice a NiCad battery
- Change an edge-lit faceplate
- Assemble a recessed exit sign
- Reattach an emergency light head
Keep systems ready
03 / Maintenance & compliance
Build a repeatable inspection and testing routine, and understand product certification marks.
- Emergency lighting maintenance & 90-minute testing
- 30-day functional tests & written records
- NRTL certifications: UL, ETL & CSA
- UL 924 emergency lighting equipment
- NEMA 3R, 4X & enclosure ratings
Understand the options
04 / Product technology
Compare light sources and sign technologies, and learn what each needs to operate.
- Photoluminescent signsCharging light (5 fc / 54 lux), listed visibility & upkeep
- Tritium self-luminous signsH-3 service life, NRC tracking & safe disposal
- Types of illuminationLED, incandescent, halogen & emergency power
- Energy-saving tipsLED retrofit efficiency & payback
Plan & specify
05 / Technical downloads
Technical files for lighting calculations, product selection, and project submittals.
- Emergency light photometricsDownloadable IES curves for Visual and AGi32
- Exit sign specification sheetsPDF cut sheets for product submittals
- Emergency light specification sheets
- Exit & emergency light combo sheets
Check local requirements
06 / State & local codes
Find adopted fire-code references and city-specific requirements across states, territories, and major jurisdictions.
- New York City fire codes
- Chicago requirements & approved products
- State & territory code resourcesBrowse fire-code resources by location
Find fire-code resources by state
Select a state or territory to open its code resource page. The state pages are grouped alphabetically.