Graphical Symbol Exit Signs: A Smarter Way to Lead the Way Out?

Most, if not all, people in the United States are familiar with the traditional exit sign, which features the text marking “EXIT”, accompanied by a small chevron directional indicator. However, there is also another option that is widely used around the world.

In 1979, Japanese graphic designer Yukio Ota designed a graphical symbol (pictogram) for use on exit signs, consisting of a figure running through a doorway. This symbol has subsequently been standardized as part of an international standard known as ISO 7010.

As shown below, the exit symbol may be accompanied by a directional arrow, compared to the small chevron directional indicator used on traditional text exit signs.

While graphical symbol exit signs have been widely adopted in many other countries, they remain uncommon in the United States. Nonetheless, there are options for using graphical symbol exit signs in accordance with the International Code Council’s 2024 International Building Code® (IBC) and the 2024 International Fire Code® (IFC), which are, respectively, the most widely adopted building code and fire code in the nation.

Use Cases for Graphical Symbol Exit Signs

Examples of buildings that may wish to consider graphical symbol exit signs include:

• Hotels, airport terminals or other buildings that receive many international visitors who might not speak English.
• Language immersion schools, where English isn’t the primary language spoken.
• Buildings frequented by many members of the public, or workplaces with high employee turnover, where occupants will often be unfamiliar with the layout of the building.

Internally Illuminated Exit Signs

IBC/IFC Section 1013.5 defers to UL 924 for requirements (including marking requirements) for internally illuminated exit signs, which are the most common type of exit sign.

Since its 2006 edition, UL 924 has permitted alternative markings to be used, however the text marking “EXIT” remained the default. This edition of UL 924 was first referenced in the 2009 IBC and IFC.

Since its 2016 edition, UL 924 has explicitly allowed graphical symbol exit signs, using the exit symbol from ISO 7010. This edition of UL 924 was first referenced in the 2021 IBC and IFC.

Externally Illuminated Exit Signs

Unlike internally illuminated exit signs, the marking requirements for externally illuminated exit signs are directly specified in the IBC and IFC as opposed to a reference standard.

IBC/IFC Section 1013.6.1 currently still requires the text marking “EXIT”, unless an alternative method is approved.

However, there is currently a code change proposal (E78-24) to revise the marking requirements for externally illuminated exit signs and allow what is already allowed by UL 924 for internally illuminated exit signs. This change was approved at the Code Council’s Committee Action Hearing (CAH) #2 in October 2024.

Alternative Methods

Since their original editions in 2000, the IBC and IFC have provided the ability to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to approve alternative methods of complying with the intent of the code.

Unlike a modification (sometimes called a variance), an alternative method does not require the applicant to prove that there is a practical difficulty complying with the prescriptive provisions of the code. Instead, in accordance with IBC/IFC Section 104.2.3, the applicant needs to demonstrate that the requested alternative method provides an equivalent level of protection to what is required by the prescriptive provisions of the code. This process typically requires supporting documentation.