Commercial exit signs and emergency lights are essential life-safety fixtures for offices, multifamily buildings, warehouses, schools, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, and other commercial properties.
During a power outage or emergency, these fixtures help guide occupants toward safe egress paths by keeping EXIT signs illuminated and providing backup lighting in corridors, stairwells, exterior exits, and common areas.
But not every emergency lighting fixture is designed for the same application. Some projects require a standard LED exit sign. Others need wet-location exit signs, combo exit signs with emergency heads, remote emergency light heads, or low-profile emergency lights for cleaner commercial interiors.
Below is a breakdown of common commercial exit sign and emergency lighting options, including where each fixture type is typically used and which Fidelighty product may fit the application.
What’s the Difference Between Exit Signs, Emergency Lights, Combo Units, and Remote Heads?
Before choosing a fixture, it helps to understand the main emergency lighting categories.
LED exit signs provide illuminated EXIT lettering to identify egress routes and exits.
Emergency lights provide backup illumination during power outages so occupants can safely navigate corridors, stairs, open areas, and exit pathways.
Combo exit signs combine an illuminated EXIT sign with adjustable emergency light heads in one fixture.
Remote emergency light heads connect to compatible remote-capable emergency lighting units to extend illumination into additional areas.
For commercial buildings, key features to look for include UL 924 listing, emergency battery backup, 90-minute emergency operation, damp or wet location rating, voltage compatibility, mounting flexibility, and durable commercial-grade construction.
Architectural Aluminum Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign
For commercial interiors where appearance matters, an architectural edge-lit LED exit sign provides a more refined alternative to standard plastic exit signs.
The Aluminum Edge-Lit LED Exit Sign is designed for lobbies, offices, corridors, conference areas, retail interiors, healthcare facilities, educational spaces, and Class A or Class B commercial properties.
This fixture features a sleek aluminum housing, high-grade acrylic panel, and edge-lit EXIT lettering for a clean, modern appearance. It is well suited for projects where the exit sign needs to meet life-safety requirements without disrupting the overall interior design.
Key benefits include:
- Aluminum housing with acrylic panel
- Edge-lit LED EXIT illumination
- Red or green lettering available
- 180-degree adjustable viewing angle
- Emergency battery backup
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Dual voltage 120/277V compatibility
- Top, back, or end mounting
- Optional single-face or double-face configurations
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Important note: this fixture is not color-switchable. Red or green EXIT lettering must be selected at the time of order.
Best for: modern commercial interiors, lobbies, office corridors, healthcare spaces, retail interiors, and upscale multifamily common areas.
Standard Commercial LED Exit Sign
For most commercial projects, a standard LED exit sign is the practical go-to option. These fixtures are commonly used in offices, stairwells, apartment corridors, retail spaces, schools, warehouses, and healthcare facilities.
This LED Exit Sign is designed for reliable code compliance, fast installation, and long-term durability.
One of its biggest advantages is flexibility. This model includes switchable red or green EXIT lettering and a convertible single-face or double-face design, helping contractors use one fixture across multiple layouts and requirements.
Key benefits include:
- Switchable red/green LED EXIT lettering
- Convertible single-face or double-face design
- Integrated rechargeable Ni-Cd battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency illumination
- 24-hour maximum recharge time
- Dual voltage 120/277V or universal voltage 120–277V options
- Universal J-box mounting
- High-impact 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: commercial offices, multifamily corridors, stairwells, schools, universities, warehouses, retail spaces, and replacement projects.
Outdoor / Wet Location LED Exit Sign
Exterior egress areas require fixtures that can handle moisture exposure. Standard indoor exit signs are not always suitable for exterior exit doors, parking garages, covered walkways, exterior stairwells, and building perimeter exits.
The Outdoor / Wet Location LED Exit Sign is designed for commercial and multifamily applications where outdoor durability and code compliance are required.
This fixture features a weather-resistant thermoplastic housing, high-visibility LED EXIT lettering, and integrated emergency battery backup.
Key benefits include:
- Wet-location rated construction
- Suitable for exterior and moisture-exposed areas
- Red or green LED EXIT illumination
- Single-face configuration
- Integrated rechargeable Ni-Cd battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Dual voltage 120/277V or universal voltage 120–277V options
- Ceiling, wall, or side mounting
- Injection-molded 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- All LED construction
Best for: exterior exit doors, covered walkways, parking garages, ramps, exterior stairwells, and perimeter egress points.
LED Combo Exit Sign & Emergency Light
Combo exit signs are a smart option when a project requires both EXIT signage and emergency illumination in the same area.
The LED Combo Exit & Emergency Light combines a switchable red/green EXIT sign with two adjustable LED emergency heads. This helps reduce fixture count, simplify installation, and provide directional emergency lighting from one unit.
Key benefits include:
- EXIT sign with two adjustable emergency LED heads
- Switchable red/green EXIT lettering
- Convertible single-face or double-face design
- Wall or ceiling mounting
- Built-in Ni-Cd rechargeable battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Universal 120–277V input
- Universal J-box mounting pattern
- High-impact 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: commercial corridors, retail spaces, schools, warehouses, multifamily common areas, offices, and healthcare facilities.
LED Combo Exit Sign & Emergency Light — Square Head Series
For commercial spaces that need wider directional emergency illumination, square-head combo units can provide a more modern look and broader coverage.
The LED Combo Exit & Emergency Light Square Head Series combines an EXIT sign with two adjustable square LED emergency heads. This series also supports multiple factory-configured models depending on project requirements.
Available configurations include:
Standard Combo Model
Dual voltage 120/277V with red/green switchable EXIT lettering.
Universal Voltage Combo Model
Universal 120–277V input with fixed red or green EXIT lettering. Color must be selected at the time of order.
Remote-Capable Combo Model
Dual voltage 120/277V, red/green switchable lettering, and support for remote emergency heads.
Key benefits include:
- EXIT sign with two adjustable square LED heads
- Wide directional emergency illumination
- Dual voltage or universal voltage options
- Convertible single-face or double-face design
- Wall or ceiling mounting
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Universal J-box mounting
- 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: warehouses, industrial spaces, commercial corridors, retail stores, educational facilities, healthcare environments, and multifamily common areas.
LED Emergency Remote Head — Square Head Series
Remote emergency light heads are used when additional emergency illumination is needed away from the main emergency lighting unit.
The LED Emergency Remote Head Square Head Series is designed for use with compatible remote-capable emergency lights or combo exit signs. These remote heads help extend egress illumination into stairwells, corridors, exterior pathways, and other critical areas.
Available models include:
Single Remote Head Model
One square LED lamp head for targeted emergency illumination.
Dual Remote Head Model
Two adjustable square LED lamp heads for expanded coverage.
Key benefits include:
- Designed for remote-capable emergency lighting systems
- Single-head or dual-head options
- Square LED heads for directional illumination
- Wet-location rated for indoor or outdoor use
- Wall mount design
- Aluminum mounting canopy included
- Low-voltage 3.6V–9.6V operation
- Injection-molded 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- UL/cUL listed
- Wet location rated
Best for: corridors, stairwells, exterior egress paths, parking structures, warehouses, and expanded emergency lighting layouts.
LED Emergency Light — Bug Eye Series, Curved Housing with Round Heads
Traditional bug eye emergency lights remain one of the most common emergency lighting fixtures in commercial buildings.
The LED Emergency Light Bug Eye Series features a curved housing with two adjustable round LED heads. It is designed for dependable emergency illumination in corridors, stairwells, warehouses, retail back-of-house areas, and multifamily common spaces.
Key benefits include:
- Classic bug eye emergency lighting design
- Curved housing with two adjustable round LED heads
- 2 × 1.2W LED lamp heads
- 24 SMD 2835 LEDs per fixture
- Built-in 3.6V 700mAh rechargeable Ni-Cd battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Universal voltage or dual voltage options depending on model
- Wall mount design
- Integrated test switch and charge indicator
- 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp or wet location rating depending on model
Best for: commercial corridors, stairwells, warehouses, retail back-of-house spaces, and multifamily common areas.
LED Emergency Light — Beveled Housing with Square Heads
For projects that need emergency lighting with a more modern appearance, square-head emergency lights offer a cleaner look than traditional round-head bug eye fixtures.
This LED Emergency Light features a beveled housing with two adjustable square LED heads. It is designed for commercial and multifamily interiors where both aesthetics and emergency performance matter.
Available models include:
Standard Non-Remote Model
Dual square LED heads for local emergency illumination.
Remote-Capable Model
Supports connection to additional remote emergency heads for extended coverage.
Key benefits include:
- Beveled housing with two adjustable square LED heads
- Universal 120–277V input
- Built-in 3.6V rechargeable battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Remote-capable option supports up to 2.4W remote load
- 2 × 1.2W LED lamp heads
- Universal mounting pattern
- Integrated test switch and charge indicator
- High-impact 5VA flame-retardant thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: modern offices, retail spaces, apartment common areas, schools, healthcare environments, warehouses, and renovated commercial interiors.
Deluxe Profile LED Emergency Light
Some commercial spaces need emergency lighting that looks cleaner and less bulky on the wall. Low-depth emergency lights are ideal for interiors where visual impact matters.
The Deluxe Profile LED Emergency Light is designed with a compact housing and two integrated LED heads, offering dependable emergency illumination with a cleaner architectural appearance.
Key benefits include:
- Deluxe profile emergency lighting design
- Compact housing with two integrated LED heads
- 2 × 1.2W lamp heads
- 16 SMD 2835 LEDs per head
- Universal 120–277V input
- Built-in 3.6V 1000mAh rechargeable Ni-MH battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Maximum 24-hour recharge time
- Wall-mount design
- Integrated test switch and charge indicator
- 5VA flame-retardant, high-impact thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL/cUL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: offices, corridors, stairwells, multifamily common areas, healthcare spaces, hospitality interiors, and commercial areas where fixture appearance matters.
Low Profile LED Emergency Light
For projects where performance and durability are the priority, a traditional full-body emergency light remains a reliable choice.
The Low Profile LED Emergency Light features a full-body housing with two adjustable LED heads. Its deeper housing allows for higher LED density per head, making it a strong choice for stairwells, corridors, utility rooms, and general commercial spaces.
Key benefits include:
- Full-body low-profile emergency lighting design
- Two adjustable LED heads
- 24 SMD 2835 LEDs per head
- Universal 120–277V operation
- Built-in 3.6V 700mAh rechargeable Ni-Cd battery
- Minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation
- Maximum 24-hour recharge time
- Universal wall-mount backplate
- Integrated test switch and charge indicator
- 5VA flame-retardant, high-impact thermoplastic housing
- White or black housing options
- UL 924 and UL listing
- Damp location rating
Best for: office buildings, stairwells, utility rooms, schools, warehouses, multifamily properties, healthcare facilities, and commercial corridors.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Exit Sign or Emergency Light
When comparing commercial emergency lighting products, consider the application first.
For modern interiors, architectural edge-lit exit signs and deluxe profile emergency lights offer a cleaner appearance.
For standard commercial buildings, thermoplastic LED exit signs and bug eye emergency lights provide reliable, cost-effective egress illumination.
For exterior areas, wet-location exit signs and remote heads are better suited for moisture exposure.
For projects that need both EXIT signage and emergency lighting, combo units can reduce fixture count and simplify installation.
For extended egress coverage, remote-capable units and remote emergency heads can help illuminate additional pathways from a compatible main unit.
Important selection factors include:
- UL 924 listing
- 90-minute battery backup
- Damp or wet location rating
- Red vs green EXIT lettering
- Dual voltage or universal voltage compatibility
- Single-face or double-face configuration
- Wall, ceiling, side, top, back, or end mounting
- Remote-head compatibility
- Housing material and flame-retardant rating
- Interior design requirements
Common Applications for Commercial Emergency Lighting
Commercial exit signs and emergency lights are commonly used in:
- Office buildings
- Apartment and multifamily properties
- Hotels
- Warehouses
- Parking garages
- Schools and universities
- Healthcare facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Retail stores
- Industrial buildings
- Exterior walkways
- Stairwells
- Corridors
- Utility rooms
- Building perimeter exits
Each building layout may require a mix of standard exit signs, combo units, remote heads, bug eye emergency lights, and wet-location fixtures to properly support emergency egress.
Need Help Choosing Commercial Exit Signs or Emergency Lights?
Fidelighty supplies commercial LED exit signs, emergency lights, combo units, remote heads, wet-location fixtures, and life-safety lighting products for electrical contractors, property managers, facility teams, and commercial projects.
Whether you are replacing outdated fixtures, sourcing emergency lighting for a new construction project, or comparing products for a retrofit, our team can help you find code-compliant options with competitive pricing and fast shipping.
Contact Fidelighty for contractor pricing, product availability, or help selecting the right emergency lighting products for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an exit sign and an emergency light?
An exit sign identifies the designated egress route during an emergency using illuminated EXIT lettering. An emergency light provides backup illumination during a power outage to help occupants safely move through corridors, stairwells, and exit pathways.
What is a combo exit sign?
A combo exit sign combines an illuminated EXIT sign with adjustable emergency light heads in a single fixture. These units help reduce fixture count while providing both directional exit signage and emergency egress lighting.
Do commercial exit signs require battery backup?
Most commercial LED exit signs include integrated emergency battery backup so the fixture remains illuminated during a power outage. Many code-compliant fixtures are designed to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency operation.
What does UL 924 mean for emergency lighting?
UL 924 is a safety standard commonly associated with emergency lighting and exit sign equipment. UL 924 listed fixtures are designed for emergency egress applications in commercial and institutional buildings.
What is the difference between damp location and wet location emergency lighting?
Damp-location emergency lights are designed for indoor environments where moisture or humidity may occasionally be present. Wet-location emergency lighting is designed for exterior or exposed environments where direct moisture or water contact may occur.
Where are wet-location exit signs required?
Wet-location exit signs are commonly used at exterior exit doors, covered walkways, parking garages, outdoor stairwells, perimeter exits, and other commercial areas exposed to moisture or changing weather conditions.
What is a remote emergency light head?
A remote emergency light head connects to a compatible remote-capable emergency lighting unit or combo exit sign. Remote heads help extend emergency illumination into additional corridors, stairwells, or egress pathways without installing separate battery-powered fixtures.
What voltage do commercial exit signs and emergency lights use?
Many commercial emergency lighting fixtures support dual voltage 120/277V or universal voltage 120–277V input, making them compatible with standard commercial electrical systems.
Are red or green EXIT signs required?
Both red and green EXIT signs are commonly used in commercial buildings. Local building codes, project specifications, or facility standards may determine which EXIT lettering color is required for a specific application.
How long do emergency lights stay on during a power outage?
Most commercial emergency lights and exit signs with battery backup are designed to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination during a power outage in accordance with common life-safety requirements.
What are combo emergency lights commonly used for?
Combo exit signs with emergency lighting are commonly installed in commercial corridors, retail stores, offices, multifamily common areas, schools, warehouses, and healthcare facilities where both EXIT signage and emergency illumination are required.
Can emergency light heads be adjusted?
Yes. Many commercial emergency lighting fixtures include adjustable LED heads that allow contractors to direct illumination toward corridors, stairs, exit doors, or other critical egress pathways.
What is an architectural exit sign?
An architectural exit sign is designed with a more modern or decorative appearance compared to standard thermoplastic exit signs. Common examples include edge-lit acrylic exit signs with aluminum housings used in offices, lobbies, and upscale commercial interiors.
Are LED exit signs more energy efficient?
Yes. LED exit signs and emergency lights use significantly less energy compared to older incandescent or fluorescent emergency fixtures while also providing longer operating life and reduced maintenance requirements.
What are bug eye emergency lights?
Bug eye emergency lights are emergency fixtures with two adjustable lamp heads mounted to a central housing. They are commonly used in commercial buildings to provide backup egress illumination during power outages.
