Are Pictogram Exit Signs IBC & IFC Compliant?

10/23/2024

As many/most of us know, there's an internationally standardized pictogram (symbol) for exit signs that's common in many countries worldwide. However, it's not yet common in the US, likely due to what appears to be a misconception that the IBC/IFC only allows "EXIT" lettering.

IBC/IFC Section 1013.5 requires internally illuminated exit signs to be listed to UL 924. (There's a different section on externally-illuminated exit signs, 1013.6.1, that specifies "EXIT" lettering, however, the vast majority of exit signs are internally-illuminated and therefore not subject to anything under 1013.6 due to that section's scope clause.)

UL 924 was revised a while back to allow the internationally standardized pictogram, including in lieu of "EXIT" lettering. (see section 42 of UL 924) Therefore, my impression is that a UL-listed internally-illuminated exit sign that uses the internationally-standardized pictogram complies with the IBC/IFC. (There are such products currently on the market.)

Are UL-listed internally-illuminated exit signs using the pictogram in compliance with IBC/IFC?

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6 Comments

Adam

10/23/2024 08:34:18 am

I don't have an answer to this question, but this is an interesting question for me to see.

I am in Ontario, Canada where it is the opposite - EXIT wording is no longer to code, and the pictogram must be used. I suppose the word "exit" could accompany the pictogram, but it is the pictogram that is the requirement.

Dan Wilder

10/23/2024 08:51:39 am

I think you made your own argument for, and rightly justified the answer as Yes.

If UL924 allows the new design, the applicable IBC/IFC codes directly reference UL294, and the sign is "listed and labeled" per UL294 and subsequently installed per MFG's instructions per IBC/IFC, then you've complied with that section for internally illuminated exit signage.

Even some of the articles I've pulled up on it show exit signage, similar to yours, as part of their piece.

https://www.ul.com/news/updates-ul-924-and-emergency-lighting

You can always call the IBC for a code question and get an informal interpretation via the below link.

https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/technical-opinions/request-for-code-opinion/

Kyle

10/23/2024 11:20:14 am

Here is additional commentary language from 2021 IBC 1013.5:

"All exit signage must be listed and labeled as indicated in UL 924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. Listed exit signs are required by UL 924 to meet the same graphics, illumination and power sources defined in Sections 1013.6.1 through 1013.6.3 for externally illuminated signs."

The last sentence indicates the same graphic requirements from 1013.6.1 apply to internally illuminated signs in order to meet UL 924.

K.C.

10/24/2024 07:34:11 am

That commentary language has an error, as it entirely ignores section 42 of UL 924.

Jaber Alhaji

10/23/2024 03:11:01 pm

Pictogram exit signs that are internally illuminated and meet UL 924 standards are compliant with IBC and IFC regulations.

William

11/14/2024 04:54:15 pm

There appears to be a Massachusetts state law (MGL Chapter 143, Section 21D) that requires this type of exit sign for many Group R occupancies.
This doesn't seem to be enforced, but it appears that it technically is the law. (Imagine the legal nightmare if suddenly someone noticed this and decided to enforce it without warning.)

Are Pictogram Exit Signs IBC & IFC Compliant?

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