Illumination of Means of Egress

1. ILLUMINATION OF
EGRESS SIGNS
Every signs other than where operations or procedures require low lighting levels, shall be suitably
illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be legible in both the
normal and emergency lighting mode.
 Size of signs: The color and design of lettering, arrows and other symbols on exit signs shall be in high
contrast with their background. Words on the sign shall be at least 150mm high with a stroke of not less
than 20mm. The word EXIT shall have letters of a width not less than 2 inch except the letter ‘I’ and the
minimum spacing between letters shall not be less than 1 cm.

2. ILLUMINATION OF
EGRESS SIGNS
 Directional Indicator: The directional indicator shall be located outside of the exit legend and it should
be chevron type. The directional indicator shall be identifiable as a directional indicator at a distance of
40 ft.
 Level of illumination: Externally illuminated signs shall not be less than 5ft-candals (54 lux) at the
illuminated surface and have a contrast ration of not less than 0.5.

3. ILLUMINATION OF
EGRESS SIGNS
 Special sign: Any door, passage or stairway that doesn’t lead to an exit and that is located or arranged
so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that read like follows:
“NO
EXIT”
Such a sign have the word NO in letters 2 inch high with a stroke of width
3/8 inch and the EXIT in letters 1 in. high and below the word NO.
 Source of Power: Supply of power to one of the lamps for exit signs shall be provided by the premises
wiring system. Power to the other lamp shall be from storage batteries or an on-site generator set.