Mark required exits with approved signs that are readily visible, except main exterior exit doors that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits. Mark exit access where the exit or route to it is not readily apparent, and use a directional indicator showing the direction to the nearest exit wherever that direction is not apparent. These requirements apply where the occupancy chapters require exit marking. §§7.10.1.1–7.10.1.5, 7.10.2

Signs must be readily visible and have a size, distinctive color, and design that contrast with their surroundings. Decorations, furnishings, equipment, and brightly illuminated displays must not block visibility or detract attention. For new exit signs in exit-access corridors, no point may be more than the sign’s rated viewing distance or 100 feet (30 m), whichever is less, from the nearest sign. Changes in direction, intersections, or obstructions can mean additional signs are needed so the route remains apparent. §§7.10.1.5.1–7.10.1.5.2, 7.10.1.8

Mounting note: New egress markings at an opening also have maximum vertical and horizontal offsets from that opening. The 6 ft 8 in. limit in §7.10.1.9 is measured above the top edge of the opening, not above the floor. §7.10.1.9

Where an occupancy chapter requires floor-proximity exit signs, they supplement the usual door or corridor signs. Their bottom edge must be between 6 and 18 inches above the floor. At an exit door, the sign is mounted on the door or adjacent to it, with its nearest edge within 4 inches of the door frame. §7.10.1.6

Required signs must be legible in normal and emergency lighting modes and continuously illuminated as required by Section 7.8, generally while the means of egress is required to be illuminated. Where emergency lighting is required, signs are illuminated by those facilities for the required duration, except for approved self-luminous and listed photoluminescent signs that comply with their provisions. Electrically illuminated signs typically need emergency power or battery backup to remain visible during an outage. Sign illumination may decline to 60 percent at the end of the emergency duration; this is separate from floor-level egress-light levels. §§7.10.4–7.10.5, 7.10.7, 7.9.2.1

Internally illuminated exit signs, including most LED signs, generally must be listed to ANSI/UL 924, subject to the code’s specified exceptions. A photoluminescent sign needs charging illumination: its face must receive the level required by its listing while the building is occupied, from a reliable light source of the type specified in the product markings. Install either sign type in accordance with its listing and applicable code requirements. §§7.10.7.1–7.10.7.2

A door, passage, or stairway likely to be mistaken for an exit must be identified with a NO EXIT sign. The code specifies its arrangement and minimum character dimensions; for the baseline dimensions, the 2-inch-high NO letters have a ⅜-inch (9.5 mm) stroke, with EXIT in 1-inch-high letters below. The code has an exception for certain previously approved existing signs. §7.10.8.3

Edition note: The 2021 and later editions add explicit proportional rules for larger NO EXIT signs. The baseline stroke is ⅜ inch (9.5 mm), not ¾ inch.

Exit signs connected to or provided with a battery-operated emergency illumination source are tested and maintained under the emergency-lighting testing provisions. Under the standard manual method, conduct a functional test for at least 30 seconds every month, with 3 to 5 weeks between tests; battery-powered units receive an annual functional test of at least 90 minutes. The sign must remain operational throughout each required test. Keep written inspection and test records available to the AHJ. Self-testing and computer-based methods may be used when their applicable testing, inspection, monitoring, and reporting provisions are met. §§7.10.9, 7.9.3

Edition note: The 2012 and 2018 editions separately required a visual inspection of exit-sign illumination at intervals no longer than 30 days, or specified periodic monitoring. That separate sentence does not appear in the 2021 or 2024 published text or the 2027 Second Draft. Do not present it as a universal NFPA 101 requirement across these editions.