Choosing the right commercial lighted exit sign is more than compliance — it’s about safety, reliability, and clear visibility during an emergency. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert input to recommend the best lighted and photoluminescent exit signage options for businesses, schools, and large facilities.
Methodology
Our recommendations come from a structured process combining hands-on testing, specification checks, and real-world feedback:
- Hands-on testing: We installed and evaluated signs for ease of mounting, fit and finish, legibility at distance, light distribution, and battery backup performance (where applicable).
- Technical verification: We checked UL/NFPA listings, input voltage ranges (120–277V), battery type/duration, flame ratings, and remote-capability options.
- Field realism: We assessed visibility in daylight, low light and simulated power-outage conditions. For photoluminescent products we tested charge time and glow duration.
- Long-term & user feedback: We reviewed warranty terms, build durability, and aggregated consumer reviews to identify recurring issues and strengths.
Factors weighted most heavily: safety certifications, emergency run time, visibility/photoluminescence, and reliability under repeated use.
Glow Exit Decals
A very low-cost photoluminescent exit sign kit that charges from ambient light and glows for hours without wiring. It’s fast to install and re-positionable, ideal for leased spaces and locations where running power is impractical.
Why we picked it
This photoluminescent vinyl EXIT kit delivers exceptional value: quick peel-and-stick installation, directional arrows, and a claimed glow of up to 8 hours visible from around 50 feet when fully charged. It provides a non-electrical emergency path-marking option that avoids wiring, batteries, and regular maintenance.
Pros:
- No wiring or batteries required; charges from ambient light
- Includes removable arrows for directional flexibility
- Very affordable and re-positionable for rentals
Cons:
- Glow performance depends on charge and ambient light exposure
- Not a substitute where code mandates electrically powered signage
Best for: small businesses, rental properties, and supplementing hardwired exit signs where budget or wiring access is limited.
TANLUX Emergency Combo
A solid commercial-grade LED exit sign with integrated emergency lights and Ni-Cd backup battery. UL listed, 120–277V compatible, and visible from 100 feet, it balances reliability and cost for everyday commercial installations.
Why we picked it
This TANLUX combo unit strikes a strong balance between price and features. Constructed from flame-retardant thermoplastic and UL listed, it offers a built-in Ni-Cd 3.6V battery rated for a minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation, universal 120–277V AC input, and double-face visibility out to roughly 100 feet.
Pros:
- UL listed construction and flame rating (UL-94V-0)
- 90-minute battery backup and universal voltage
- Multiple mounting options (top/side/back) with canopy
Cons:
- Battery chemistry (Ni-Cd) is reliable but heavier than newer NiMH options
- Basic optics compared with higher-end LED modules
Best for: commercial offices, retail spaces, and small-to-medium facilities needing a dependable, code-friendly exit/backup lighting combo at a modest price.
LED ENERGY PLUS Combo
A commercial-grade, dual-head LED exit combo built for reliability and serviceability. UL and NFPA compliant with remote-capable output, it adds long warranty coverage and solid emergency lumen performance for demanding installations.
Why we picked it
This unit targets facilities that demand durable, maintainable emergency lighting. It’s UL certified to relevant life-safety standards, carries a multi-year warranty (five years for electrical components, two for the battery), and is remote-capable to support additional remote lamp heads. Dual LED emergency heads provide bright, targeted illumination during outages.
Pros:
- Meets UL/NFPA requirements and high flame-resistance rating
- Remote-capable for larger emergency coverage zones
- Strong warranty and commercial-grade build
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared with simple combo units
- Remote heads sold separately if extended coverage is needed
Best for: larger commercial properties, facilities with strict code requirements, and operations that prefer expandability and longer warranty protection.
Sunco 6-Pack Exit
A bulk package of LED exit signs with adjustable mini-lamps, daylight-balanced LEDs and UL rating — suited for installers or larger facilities looking to outfit multiple exits with consistent fixtures at once.
Why we picked it
Sunco’s 6-pack addresses the needs of architects, contractors, and multi-exit facilities. Each unit features adjustable emergency lamp heads, a backup battery, and daylight-balanced LEDs (around 6000K) delivering roughly 200 lumens for targeted corridor illumination. The pack provides consistent parts, reduced procurement hassle, and is built to common commercial specifications.
Pros:
- Bulk purchase simplifies multi-location installs
- Adjustable twin lamp heads and solid lumen output
- UL-rated and fire-resistant housing
Cons:
- Upfront cost higher due to multi-unit bundle
- May supply more fixtures than small operations need
Best for: facility managers, new-build contractors, and large retail or institutional sites that need multiple, identical exit/emergency fixtures.
Comparison at a Glance
- Glow Exit Decals (Best Budget Pick) — Non-electrical photoluminescent signs; extremely low cost, quick install, up to ~8 hours glow. Ideal as supplements or for rentals where power is unavailable.
- TANLUX Emergency Combo (Best Value for Money) — UL-listed LED combo with Ni-Cd backup battery, 90-minute runtime, multiple mount options. Great mid-range option for code-compliant installations.
- LED ENERGY PLUS Combo (Premium Choice) — Commercial-grade, remote-capable exit combo, strong warranty and certifications. Best for facilities that prioritize long-term reliability and expandability.
- Sunco 6-Pack Exit (Editors Choice) — Bulk set for multi-exit installs with adjustable emergency lamps and consistent specs. Best for contractors and large facilities outfitting several exits.
Which is best overall? For most commercial buyers who need a single reliable, code-compliant unit, the TANLUX Emergency Combo balances cost, certification, and battery backup most effectively. If you manage multiple exits or a larger site, the Sunco 6-pack and LED ENERGY PLUS options are stronger picks depending on whether you prefer bulk buying or premium support/remote capability.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and specification verification, our top pick for the typical commercial buyer is the TANLUX Emergency Combo for its combination of UL listing, 90-minute battery backup, universal voltage, and accessible price. Choose the LED ENERGY PLUS if you need premium commercial features (remote capacity and extended warranty). If you’re outfitting many exits at once, the Sunco 6-Pack reduces procurement complexity and ensures uniform fixtures. For constrained budgets or temporary/rental spaces where wiring is impractical, the Glow Exit Decals offer effective, code-friendly photoluminescent visibility at minimal cost.
Safety note: always confirm local code requirements — some jurisdictions require electrically powered exit signage or specific UL classifications. Our tests focused on visibility, emergency runtime, durability, and ease of installation; selecting the right sign should start with verifying which type meets your facility’s regulatory obligations.