Best Side Mount Exit Signs for Safe, Clear Wayfinding
Choosing a side-mount exit sign requires balancing visibility, durability, and installation versatility. This guide highlights five top options that support side mounting, spanning standard indoor locations to damp or outdoor environments. Each product features reliable battery backup, UL listings, and flexible mounting options to help you meet life-safety codes with confidence.
A quick summary of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Mounting Options | Key Features | UL/Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFI Lights LEDRWBB | Light Fixture Industries | Wall or Side Mount, Ceiling option | Red LED, 120/277VAC, battery backup, 90+ min emergency light | UL 924 Listed, Damp location, low power usage |
| SASELUX Edge-Lit (Red) | SASELUX | Top/Side/Wall Mount, universal mounting canopy | Brushed aluminum housing, battery backup, double-face arrows | UL Listed, Damp location rated |
| Lithonia EXRG M6 | Lithonia Lighting | Top/Side/Back Mount, single-sided | Switchable red/green, universal chevrons, dual voltage | UL Listed, NFPA 101/70 compliance |
| LEONLITE Red Emergency Exit Sign | LEONLITE | Top/Side/Wall Mount | LED edge-lit, battery backup, dual-sided | UL 924, damp rated |
| SITISFI Wet Location LED Exit Sign | SITISFI | Wall/Side Mount, double-face option | Adjustable light heads, waterproof housing, 90–600+ tests | UL Listed, wet location capable |
LFI Lights LED Exit Sign With Battery Backup
The LFI Lights LEDRWBB model is UL 924 listed and designed for wall, ceiling, or side mounting. It uses only 2.5 watts with a 12 mA draw and includes a 1.2V 1000mAh Ni-Cad battery to provide more than 90 minutes of emergency illumination. The white thermoplastic housing is damp location rated and features a push-to-test indicator. An optional double-face and knock-out arrows support flexible wayfinding in multi-exit spaces.
SASELUX Edge-Lit Red Exit Sign In Aluminum Finish
The SASELUX LED Edge-Lit Exit Sign uses a brushed aluminum housing and a 8mm single-sided acrylic face for a professional look. UL 924 listed and damp-location rated, it includes a backup battery and a test indicator. The package offers universal mounting with pre-drilled holes and a mounting canopy. It ships with field-installable directional arrows for left, right, or both directions, enabling on-site customization.
Lithonia Single-Sided LED Exit Sign (EXRG M6)
This Lithonia model features a switchable red/green color option, facilitating flexible wayfinding. It supports top, side, or back mounting and includes universal chevrons for directional indication. It is UL listed and compatible with NFPA 101 and NEC requirements, with a damp-location rating. The product accepts 120V or 277V AC and includes a faceplate for easy installation and future replacement.
LEONLITE Red Emergency Exit Sign
LEONLITE offers a red emergency exit sign with edge-lit LED technology and a hardwired design. It is dual-mounted (top/side/wall) for installation flexibility and includes a battery backup to maintain illumination during power outages. It’s UL 924 listed and suitable for damp locations, making it a solid choice for both commercial interiors and larger spaces requiring reliable, low-maintenance exit signage.
SITISFI Wet Location Double Face Exit Sign
The SITISFI wet location exit sign is UL listed and designed for harsh outdoor or damp environments. It features a double-face exterior sign with adjustable light heads, allowing up to 250° horizontal and 90° vertical adjustment. A high-capacity backup battery provides emergency illumination for up to 90 minutes, with a recharge time under 24 hours. The rugged, waterproof thermoplastic housing makes it suitable for garages, parking areas, and other exposed settings.
SITISFI Double Face Outdoor Exit Sign (2 Pack)
The second SITISFI option provides a two-pack of wet-location emergency exit signs. Each unit uses a durable battery backup and includes double-face capability with adjustable directional arrows. Like its sibling, it is designed for outdoor or humid environments, maintaining compliance with relevant safety codes while offering scalable deployment in larger facilities.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting a side-mount exit sign, consider these factors to ensure effective wayfinding and long-term reliability:
- Mounting flexibility: Look for side, top, and wall mounting options, plus universal canopies to fit existing junction boxes.
- Power and backup: Check voltage compatibility (120V/277V or wider ranges) and the type of backup battery (Ni-Cd or Ni-MH) and its expected runtime (typically 90-120 minutes).
- Durability and environment: Damp-rated vs. wet-location ratings determine suitability for indoor hallways or outdoor areas, garages, and entrances exposed to moisture.
- Lighting technology: LED edge-lit or panel designs offer different aesthetic looks and efficiency; ensure adequate brightness and clear visibility from a distance.
- Visibility and chevrons: Directional arrows and removable chevrons enable flexible wayfinding; verify field-installable arrows are included if needed.
- Election of color: Red vs. green color options can meet local code or preference; some models toggle colors on a single unit.
- Maintenance and test features: Push-to-test or illumination indicators simplify routine checks and ensure compliance.
- Compliance: Ensure UL 924 listing and NFPA/NEC compatibility for your facility type and occupancy.
Comparative Considerations
To decide between the options above, map your priorities to these criteria:
- Indoor hallways with dry or damp conditions: prioritize damp-rated, energy-efficient LED signs with easy top/side/wall mounting, such as Lithonia EXRG M6 or LEONLITE variants.
- Exits exposed to moisture or outdoors: choose wet-location capable models with robust IP ratings and weather-resistant housings, such as SITISFI outdoor options.
- Sign direction needs: if your space requires two-sided visibility or field-adjustable arrows, select models with double-face designs and removable chevrons.
- Budget and installation speed: pick signs with universal mounting kits and plug-and-play accessories to minimize downtime during retrofit projects.
All five selections provide reliable emergency illumination with battery backup and meet common life-safety requirements. Consider your building’s layout, occupancy type, and local code mandates when finalizing a purchase.