Emergency Exit Signs Explained

When an emergency happens in a building, people need to know where to go to stay safe.

That sounds pretty obvious, but you’ll be shocked to know that in a busy office, shop, hotel, or warehouse, finding the right exit isn't always as simple as running down the end of the corridor.

That is where emergency exit signs come in. You’ve seen these familiar green signs before: a running person, a doorway, and a directional arrow.

Their job is simple: help people identify and follow a safe escape route during an emergency when standard lighting is compromised.

But did you know that, unlike ordinary fire exit signs, where you just slap them on the door, there are a few things you need to consider when installing emergency exit signs?

In this guide, we’re going to discuss everything there is to get better acquainted with emergency exit signs: how visibility, positioning, direction, and overall emergency lighting strategy are all important factors to consider before installing these signs.

What Is an Emergency Exit Sign?

Simply put, an emergency exit sign is a safety sign designed to help people identify an escape route or emergency exit, particularly when normal lighting may fail.

Most modern emergency exit signage uses the internationally recognised running-man pictogram. You’ve seen it countless times in buildings, malls, and retail stores: a green man running into a white doorway, usually paired with a directional arrow. The background is typically the same shade of green.

But why choose this illustration?

The idea is wonderfully simple. When people are stressed, they do not want to stop and decode a paragraph of instructions. They need a symbol they can recognise quickly.

With one look, you know the exit is to the left at this intersection.

These signs are usually illuminated for better visibility, especially during an emergency. Depending on the model, the sign may be permanently illuminated or only light up when the normal mains supply fails.

That’s why emergency exit signs and emergency lighting are a perfect pair. They work together like this:

An exit sign tells you where to go. Emergency escape lighting helps you see the route.

The sign needs to be visible from relevant viewing positions, but the escape route needs to be sufficiently illuminated for safe movement towards the exit.

Emergency Exit Signs vs Fire Exit Signs: What's the Difference?

The terms emergency exit signs and fire exit signs are often used interchangeably. That’s understandable since there is a lot of overlap between the two.

Both are intended to help people find their way out of a building during an emergency, sure. But there’s a useful distinction.

Emergency Exit Signs

Emergency exit signs identify emergency escape routes and exits. They are often illuminated and form part of an emergency lighting installation.

These signs are typically for general crises and power failures. Some may even lead to a safe internal area or a protected zone inside a large complex.

Fire Exit Signs

Fire exit signs identify routes and exits intended for escape during a fire or other emergency where standard corridors might be blocked by smoke or flames.

These signs lead directly to an exterior open space or a final point of safety.

Why Businesses Need to Think Beyond the Sign

Putting up a sign and calling it responsible falls short, since emergency exit signs alone can only do so much.

Think about it this way:

A perfectly visible exit sign is not much help if the corridor leading to it is plunged into darkness. Likewise, a brightly illuminated sign pointing in the wrong direction can create a rather serious problem.

Effective emergency exit signage depends on the whole system working together. Escape routes, emergency lighting, exit signage, fire risk assessments, building layout and other safety measures all have a role to play.

It’s not just about having exit signs; it's about whether people can clearly identify and follow the escape route.

What Does the Green Running-Man Symbol Mean?

The green running-man symbol might be more famous than your favourite Hollywood star, and he doesn’t even know it.

You immediately recognise it when you see it: A green figure of a man against a white background resembling a door, then more green background, and then a directional arrow.

The green background provides strong visual recognition, while the white pictogram creates a clear contrast that makes the sign easier to identify.

The symbol is designed to communicate without relying heavily on written language. And that’s important. Everyone immediately understands, no matter their background or spoken language.

With one look, you know what it means: “This way to exit.”

Imagine you're on vacation in Japan. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, you wake up to a fire alarm. You rush out, but you can’t understand the text on the hotel map on the wall. Then you see the running-man sign. And you understand right away.

That’s the power of the running-man.

Depending on the installation, the arrows will point forward, left, right, or even upward or downward.

The key is proper positioning. The sign should be easy to spot from the relevant viewing positions and clearly communicate the intended direction.

When Are Emergency Exit Signs Required?

No single rule requires every building to have the same number or type of emergency exit signs.

You have to consider different factors, such as the building's design, occupancy, escape route complexity, visibility of exits, emergency lighting strategy, and the fire risk assessment.

A good rule of thumb: You put a sign wherever people may struggle to identify an escape route quickly.

Offices

You’d be surprised how some offices have complicated layouts and escape routes.

Long corridors, meeting rooms, open-plan spaces, staircases, and shared areas can all make it less obvious where people should go during an emergency.

Signs may therefore be needed at final exits, along corridors, near staircases, and at changes of direction.

Retail Shops

The number one consideration in retail premises is customers, as most of them may not know the building’s layout.

Large sales floors, stock rooms, staff-only areas and display fixtures can make routes less obvious than they appear on a floor plan.

Clear emergency exit signs can help guide customers and staff towards designated escape routes.

Warehouses and Industrial Buildings

Warehouses are massive locations. We’re talking high ceilings, storage racks, machinery and large open areas that can obscure exits from certain viewing positions.

Exits can be obvious from one side of the building but almost impossible to spot from another.

That’s why emergency exit signs are needed along the actual escape routes.

Hotels and Guest Accommodation

Guests are unfamiliar with the building. Even repeat guests may still have trouble locating exits if the signs are poorly placed or nonexistent.

Clear signs throughout corridors and near stairways can effectively guide people who do not know the building layout.

Schools, Care Homes, and Public Buildings

These locations may have additional considerations because some occupants may need assistance during an evacuation.

The layout, occupancy, and fire risk assessment will influence how the emergency lighting and signage are positioned throughout the building.

Note: In all these environments, the goal is the same: make the escape route clear enough that people do not have to stop and wonder which way to go.

Where Should Emergency Exit Signs Be Installed?

One thing to keep in mind when thinking about where to install emergency exit signs: They need to be visible.

People should be able to identify the direction towards safety.

You might think that a sign directly above an exit is useful, but it might not be enough.

Depending on the layout, emergency exit signs may be needed in different locations.

Above Exit Doors

Where a doorway is the actual final exit, a sign may be positioned above or adjacent to the door so occupants can clearly identify it as an escape route.

There should be no obstruction of any kind. The sign should be visible from the approach route.

At Junctions and Changes of Direction

This is why you need directional signage. A moment of hesitation in a junction can mean danger for occupants rushing towards an exit. Making a wrong turn can also be a tragic mistake.

A correctly positioned directional arrow should tell occupants which route to take towards safety.

In Corridors

In long corridors, occupants need reassurance that they are still following the correct route.

Anyone’s heart would sink after finding out they’ve been following a corridor towards a dead end.

The aim is to avoid moments of uncertainty. If an exit disappears from view around a corner, additional signage may be needed.

Near Staircases

Staircases are a crucial part of many emergency escape routes, especially in multi-storey buildings.

Signs can help identify stairway escape routes and direct occupants towards them.

Don’t forget to install emergency lighting over the stairs so people can descend safely when normal lighting fails.

Understanding Emergency Exit Sign Arrows

See those arrows on emergency exit signs? Those are not decorative. They serve an important purpose.

Depending on the sign and its intended position, the arrows will be pointing you towards a certain direction:

• Straight ahead

• Left

• Right

• Up

• Down

Sure, some signs might not have arrows on them, but that usually means that the exit is directly below the sign.

The important thing is to position the sign at the junction or corner so it doesn't mislead occupants.

All of these may sound straightforward, but it is surprisingly easy to get wrong.

Why Incorrect Arrows Can Be Dangerous

Picture leaving your hotel room during a power cut. You spot an illuminated green exit sign and follow the arrow towards a corridor. Then you arrive at a dead end. The arrow was positioned incorrectly.

The sign is illuminated. The pictogram is perfectly visible. And yet the system has failed at its most basic job.

That’s why it’s important to consider where to position the signs from the perspective of someone actually walking through the building. Look at the sign from different approaches.

Does the arrow make sense at first glance? If it doesn’t, move it.

Maintained vs Non-Maintained Emergency Exit Signs

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when choosing an emergency exit sign.

Maintained Emergency Exit Signs

These signs remain illuminated even when the mains power is available. If the mains power fails, they continue to operate using an emergency power supply. (Usually a battery.)

This type can be useful in buildings where the escape sign needs to remain continuously visible, even when the normal lighting system is operating.

You’ll mostly notice them in hotels, cinemas, hospitals, malls, and other public buildings.

Non-Maintained Emergency Exit Signs

These signs normally remain off when the mains supply is working. They switch on only when the power fails, using their battery supply.

These are commonly used in offices and commercial environments.

Which Type Should You Choose?

You shouldn't choose between maintained and non-maintained emergency exit signs willy-nilly.

It should be based on the building's emergency lighting design, risk assessment, and application… not because you like the idea of one over the other.

If your building’s design requires the sign to be visible continuously, a maintained fitting may be appropriate. If the emergency function only needs to activate during a mains failure, a non-maintained fitting may be suitable.

In other words, you don’t dictate which one you need; your building does (and other considerations).

When in doubt, follow the building's emergency lighting specification and seek advice from a qualified professional.

How Long Should an Emergency Exit Sign Stay Illuminated?

Emergency duration refers to how long an emergency fitting can continue operating from its battery supply after normal mains power has failed.

Common durations are one-hour and three-hour operations, but the appropriate duration isn't automatically the same for every building.

Like everything else around emergency lighting, the choice depends on the building, its occupancy, escape strategy, and emergency lighting requirements.

Some buildings may be designed around a one-hour emergency duration, while other premises may require three-hour operation.

Shouldn’t I just use the longest duration?

That may sound like a logical choice, but it’s not always the best option. Longer durations are generally more expensive than shorter options since they need larger batteries. For large buildings that need more emergency exit signs, that could mean a higher upfront cost.

Make it a habit to check the product specifications before buying. Two exit signs may look almost identical but have different emergency durations.

For more information on emergency lighting duration, see our related guide on how long emergency lights should stay on.

Common Emergency Exit Sign Mistakes Businesses Make

Watch out for these mistakes, so you don’t embarrass yourself during inspections.

1. Installing signs only above final exits. An exit is only useful when people know where it is.

2. Missing directional signs. If the route changes direction or an exit is not visible, occupants may need additional guidance.

3. Using the wrong arrow. A sign pointing the wrong way is worse than no sign at all!

4. Obstructed signs. Signs hidden behind shelves, hanging decorations, beams, indoor plants, or other fixtures cannot do their job effectively.

5. Poor positioning. A sign needs to be visible from the relevant approach routes, not simply installed wherever there happens to be space.

6. Choosing unsuitable maintained or non-maintained products. The operating mode should match the emergency lighting design.

7. Failing to test emergency signs. An exit sign that worked perfectly six months ago might not work today. Do regular testing.

8. Ignoring damaged or faded signs. Cracked housings, damaged diffusers, and poor visibility should not be brushed aside. They may be small issues now, but they can make signs ineffective when it matters most.

9. Forgetting signage when the building layout changes. Moving a partition wall, changing a doorway, or creating a new storage area can alter the escape route. Adjust your exit signs.

10. Assuming ordinary decorative signs are suitable. A decorative "Fire Exit" sign is not automatically acceptable. Emergency signage is a safety system, not simply wall decoration. Use the right fitting.

Emergency Exit Sign Testing & Maintenance

So now you have an exit sign installed. Great! So, do you just leave it and forget it?

To ensure they remain ready to operate when required, emergency lighting systems need regular testing and maintenance.

Routine Functional Checks

Perform regular checks to confirm that the emergency exit signs operate correctly. This includes checking that signs illuminate when the normal supply is interrupted and that there are no obvious faults, damage, or visibility issues.

Battery and Charging Checks

All emergency lights rely on their batteries to operate when normal power fails. And, if you know, batteries can deteriorate over time. So check signs for reduced performance, charging problems, or other faults.

A one-hour duration light should last at least one hour; a three-hour duration light should last three hours. You get the point.

Full-Duration Testing

This aligns with the battery check. A full-duration test checks whether the emergency fitting can operate for its designed period and should be done regularly. At least once every year.

A short functional check will not prove that the battery can maintain operation for its required duration.

Keeping Records

Might be boring, sure. But businesses should maintain appropriate testing and maintenance records for their emergency lighting systems.

Records can show the system is being properly maintained and make it easier to identify recurring faults. Think of them as your emergency lights’ history.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Exit Sign

Here are some practical considerations to help you narrow down your search for “the one”.

Consider the Viewing Distance

How far away will occupants be when they need to identify the sign? Is the installation in a large open space, narrow corridor, or multi-storey building?

Consider all of these before choosing the emergency exit sign.

Check the product specification. It should provide information about the fitting’s intended viewing distance.

Choose the Correct Direction

Some emergency exit signs include multiple labels, so you can use the directional arrow you need for the installation. Some don’t, so make sure the pictogram and arrow communicate the intended route.

Choose Maintained or Non-Maintained

We’ve already discussed how you can determine which sign needs to remain illuminated during normal operation or only activate during mains failure.

Don’t base your decision solely on the fitting's price.

Consider the Installation Location

The physical installation also matters. Depending on the building, you may need:

• Wall-mounted emergency exit signs

• Ceiling-mounted options

• Double-sided signs

• Suspended signs for open areas

A double-sided sign, for example, can be useful where occupants may approach from two directions.

Check Emergency Duration

Always check the product's emergency duration and compare it with the installation requirements.

If the project requires three-hour emergency operation, choosing a one-hour fitting just because it's cheaper is not a bargain.

It is simply the wrong product. And, frankly, not a smart move.

Emergency Exit Signs for Different Types of Buildings

Different buildings create different escape-route challenges.

Offices

No office space is the same. Different layouts and obstacles along the escape route. That’s why you often need a mixture of signs around corridors, staircases, meeting rooms, and final exits.

Even open-plan layouts have their challenges. During normal operations, the routes might be obvious. But during a power cut, even familiar spaces can become challenging.

Retail Premises

Retail environments need to consider both staff and customers… especially the latter.

You know what’s in large sales floors? Shelving, displays, and promotional structures that affect visibility. They’re practically emergency exit sign villains.

Signs should make the escape route clear without being hidden by the very things that make the shop look inviting.

Warehouses

Ah, warehouses. High ceilings, tall racking and large floor areas. What’s not to love? Not for emergency exit signs. There’s none!

Ceiling-mounted, suspended or other suitable signage solutions may be considered depending on the layout.

The sign also needs to work alongside the emergency lighting design already in place.

Hotels

Hotels have a particularly strong need for clear wayfinding because guests are unfamiliar with the building.

Corridors, staircases and final exits should be easy to identify.

Communal Residential Buildings

Any space shared by different people, like communal corridors, stairwells, and entrances that form part of the escape route, needs proper emergency exit signs.

Here, emergency signage needs to work with the building's wider emergency lighting arrangement. Also, any changes to the layout, doors, or walls in these spaces warrant a review of your exit signs.

A Safer Way Out

Emergency exit signs have a very simple purpose, yet getting them right isn’t as simple as slapping an “Exit Here” sticker on the wall or the nearest door.

The right emergency exit sign should make the escape route easy to identify, especially when the main power supply fails. That’s why, to achieve this, you need to:

• Choose the correct running-man symbol

• Use the right directional arrow

• Position signs at appropriate points

• Make sure they work alongside emergency lighting

Businesses also need to consider several other factors, such as choosing between maintained or non-maintained operation, how long the sign needs to operate on battery backup, and how the system will be tested and maintained.

Simple Lighting has a wide range of emergency exit signage and lighting products. So if you’re looking for suitable emergency exit signs UK businesses can use across different commercial environments, check out our website today!