How do I install electric fire exit signs into my emergency lighting units?

Question

I have an emergency lighting unit on each floor of my building. The problem is that the boxes have no exit sign. Can I remove the cover and replace it with an exit sign? Would it fit? Are the boxes and signs standard sizes? If so I would buy the signs at home depot and have an electrician install them.

Answer 1

Fire code states that the exit signs (red or green) be installed and lit over each fire exit door or hall way leading to an exit. They have to be illuminated in dark areas and night time during store hours. I usually wire the exits to remain on 24/7 wether occupied or not. Some exit sign are also battery back up in case of power failure They are wired separate from emergency lights. Emergency lights are battery operated and when fully charged will illuminate the area needed for about an hour during a power failure. They will come on during the day time if there is a power failure unless they have a photo electric sensor. Emergency lights cost about $35.00 and can be hard wired or plugged into an outlet. Check with electrical or fire codes as to which one is admissible. Emergency light have to wired into circuits that are on 24/7 as they operate on power failures. Exit signs are manufactured different than the lights. They are not that expensive for what they do All items needed are available at the Depot

Answer 2

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RE:
How do I install electric fire exit signs into my emergency lighting units?
I have an emergency lighting unit on each floor of my building. The problem is that the boxes have no exit sign. Can I remove the cover and replace it with an exit sign? Would it fit? Are the boxes and signs standard sizes? If so I would buy the signs at home depot and have an electrician install...

Answer 3

The Manufacturer of the Unit can probably provide
a bolt-on exit sign package.
You might have a problem with that as the Code requires a specific battery capacity, (operating time),
for such fixtures and the addition of another load might
shorten that time below limits for the new installation.
A possible solution is phosphorescent exit signs.

Answer 4

The Code requires that the emergency lights operate for at least 90 minutes. It is not likely that the exit sign has that much battery capacity. Also, emergency lights need to be connected to the normal lighting circuit to the space so that if the breaker serving the space should trip the emergency lights come on.