There is often confusion over which colors are allowed when choosing an Exit sign for your building. Exit sign requirements vary by state and municipality, which is why it's important to check with your Fire Marshall to see whether Green Exit Signs
or Red Exit Signs are required in your building. The information below is for general guidance, only. For many, however, it is also important to get a “sense” of any color preference – so that your building is as consistent as possible with others in your area. Even though the European Union generally uses Green
Exit Signs (Red is used to specify prohibited actions), our UL 924 standards allow either Green Exit signs or Red Exit signs. Yet, localized codes often specify one or the
other.
State Summary
Helena used to see more green Exit signs, but the Fire Marshal is currently recommending red or orange Exit signs with contrasting backgrounds. Following the International Building Code, the sign should be internally illuminated and visible from all directions. Feel free to contact the friendly office of the Fire Marshal in Helena, and they will be happy to discuss the details of the NFPA Life Safety Code and the color, style, lettering and material Exit Signs that are permitted in the code.
