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
Tennessee Fire Marshals prefer red Exit signs, but either color can be used. You may find codes and provisions on the Tennessee State website, where exceptions to International Building Code are detailed. As always, the specific requirements of Tennessee Exit signs are based on Life Safety Code, but such things as color and contrast may differ based on your locality.
