About The City of Chicago Fire Code

When it comes to fire safety and emergency situations in a large city like Chicago, it’s critical to install similar systems in buildings throughout the city. This minimizes risks and confusion associated with rapid egress and handling unfamiliar equipment during an emergency.

Chicago Municipal Code 13-160 on building exit requirements (sections 660-790), 14-B-10-1013 on building exit signs, and 14E-7-700 in electrical code on emergency systems set requirements for exit signage. In addition, Section 901.1 of the Chicago Fire Prevention Code authorizes fire code officials to set and modify code requirements as needed to maintain consistency between building installations and operations of the Chicago Fire Department.

These draw on, and in some cases exceed, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 70/National Electric Code, and NFPA 110 and 111, all of which address signage, electrical and power supply requirements, installations, and inspections.

Compliance with exit sign requirements is mandatory, and all new installations are subject to inspection. What’s more, if a general inspector suspects irregularities, compliance can be enforced by Chicago’s Exit Sign/Fire Alarm Unit.

Pace Electronics is a leading supplier of exit signs that meet Chicago exit sign code requirements. Learn more about these important signs and our selection below.

The Importance of Chicago Approved Exit Signs for Your Organization

Exit signs direct people to safety during a fire or other emergency. In almost any structure in Chicago, exit signs must be illuminated for better visibility, and in order to communicate the safest escape route for tenants, patrons, and occupants. Illumination also helps first responders navigate unfamiliar building layouts. Ensuring they are visible at all times is a crucial aspect of almost any organization’s emergency preparedness plan.

How To Choose City of Chicago-Approved Exit Signs

To be in compliance with Chicago’s Municipal and Fire Prevention Codes, approved signs must have certain elements and functionalities, including:

  • Any directional arrow beneath an exit sign must be the same width as the lettering
  • Lettering and arrows for exit signs (or combined exit signs/emergency lights) must be red on a white background
  • Exit signs must be set into a rectangular 20-gauge sheet metal box with a clear plastic or glass face
  • Exit signs must be illuminated internally by an electric lamp of at least 10 watts

As a best practice, consult the relevant portions of the City of Chicago’s Municipal and Fire Prevention Codes to verify that the exit signs you select are in compliance.

Types of Chicago-Approved Exit Signs We Carry

Pace Electronics takes all necessary steps to ensure our products meet City of Chicago fire safety requirements.

Our PAC0836 series includes steel enclosures and LED lights, offering an ideal, energy-efficient solution for office buildings, schools, hospitals, stores, and any other location requiring Chicago-approved exit signs. Key features include:

  • Silk-screened red lettering on white phosphorescent background
  • White-finish 20-gauge steel housing, with an impact-resistant heat-tempered glass lens
  • Steel canopy adapted to ceiling or end mounting
  • Universal knock-out pattern on rear (for directly mounting to junction boxes)
  • 100-300VAC universal voltage
  • DOE registered
  • A zero-maintenance nickel-cadmium battery
  • 10–40° (damp) temperature rating
  • Conforms to UL 924 standards for damp locations
  • Meets City of Chicago fire code regulations for exit signs

Signs in this series install easily in both original and retrofit installations, meeting or surpassing all Chicago exit sign fire code regulations.

Quality Chicago Approved Exit Signs by Pace

In Chicago, maintaining compliance with fire safety code requirements is critical for most buildings within city limits. Exit signs are an important piece of emergency preparedness planning, and they keep occupants and first responders informed during fast-changing emergency situations. Pace understands this and can provide your organization with the exit signs and other products you need to meet requirements. To learn more about our City of Chicago-approved exit signs or request a quote, contact us today.