Photoluminescent Not an Exit Sign

Ensure safe and compliant egress with a photoluminescent “Not an Exit” sign, designed to prevent confusion during emergencies. Required in many NYC high-rise buildings, this glow-in-the-dark sign clearly identifies non-exit doors, improving visibility in low-light conditions and supporting code-compliant evacuation pathways. MEA Listed UV Rated Photoluminescent Lettering on Black Background.

Dimensions: 1.5" x 6"

Materials: .03125in Aluminum w/ Self-Adhesive Foam Back

What This Sign is For: A photoluminescent “Not an Exit” sign is used to clearly identify doors, corridors, or openings that do not lead to a building exit. Its purpose is to prevent occupants from mistakenly attempting to exit through non-egress paths during an emergency, reducing confusion and improving overall life safety. 

Legal Requirement Explained: This sign is required under the NYC Building Code §1025 (Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings) and general egress requirements outlined in BC Chapter 10.
In buildings where photoluminescent exit systems are mandated—particularly high-rise structures—non-exit doors along the path of egress must be clearly marked to prevent misdirection. The photoluminescent feature ensures the sign remains visible in smoke-filled or power-loss conditions, when traditional lighting may fail.

Who is Required to Post This Sign: 
- High-rise buildings (typically 75 feet or taller)
- Commercial buildings with photoluminescent egress systems
- Multifamily residential buildings with regulated egress pathways
- Any structure where non-exit doors are located along an exit route

Where We Recommend This Sign Be Posted: 
- On or immediately adjacent to doors that could be mistaken for an exit
- Along exit access corridors or stairwell paths
- At dead-end corridors or non-egress passageways
- In any location where occupants may reasonably assume a door leads to an exit
The goal is to ensure occupants can instantly distinguish between valid exits and non-exit openings.

Unacceptable Locations to Post This Sign: 
- On doors that are actual exits or part of an approved egress route
- Hidden behind obstructions such as equipment, decorations, or open doors
- In areas with insufficient lighting to charge the photoluminescent material
- Installed in locations where it is not visible during approach
- Placed inconsistently, creating confusion instead of clarity

Recommended Height / Installation Requirements: 
- Typically installed at low-level height (approximately 12”–18” above finished floor) when part of a photoluminescent egress system
- Must be placed to remain visible in smoke conditions, below the smoke layer
- Installed with durable, permanent mounting
- Must be exposed to ambient light to maintain photoluminescent charge
- Positioned so it is clearly legible from the direction of travel

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on commonly referenced NYC Building Code, FDNY guidelines, and NFPA standards and is intended for general informational purposes only. Specific requirements may vary based on building classification, occupancy, and jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed professional or local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm compliance for your specific project.