Exit light height code

[Eddy Current]

Is there a code on how high exit lights can be hung or mounted?

 

[bphgravity]

Both IBC (1011.1) and NFPA 101 (7.10.1.2.1) say the same thing, "readily visible from any direction of exit access."

Section 7.10.1.9 of the NFPA 101 goes on to say, "The bottom of new egress markings shall be located at vertical distance of not more than 6 ft. 8 in. above the top edge of the egress opening."

 

[thegreathoo]

Yes. Minimum mounting is prescribed by Accessibility Codes, in paths of egress, under Protruding Objects section. For example, in Florida, that is Florida Accessibility code 307, and objects can not be hung below 80"AFF into path of egress. Maximum mounting height is defined in NFPA 101 Life Safety Code under NFPA 101 7.10.1.9 (2009 Edition), at 6'8" above egress opening.

 

[Eddy Current]

Both IBC (1011.1) and NFPA 101 (7.10.1.2.1) say the same thing, "readily visible from any direction of exit access."

Section 7.10.1.9 of the NFPA 101 goes on to say, "The bottom of new egress markings shall be located at vertical distance of not more than 6 ft. 8 in. above the top edge of the egress opening."

Been working in a Lowes and some of the exit lights they've hung way up in the ceiling to make room for there forklifts, literally 15 feet above an exit door.

 

[John120/240]

Been working in a Lowes and some of the exit lights they've hung way up in the ceiling to make room for there forklifts, literally 15 feet above an exit door.

15 feet above the overhead door ? That seems to be an excessive height. Or are you saying 15 feet above finished floor at the EXIT door ?

In a motel somewhere I remember two EXIT fixtures at each door. One above the door & one down low next to the floor. The theory being in a fire with smoke, if you are crawling on the floor you can see the EXIT sign down low.

 

[bphgravity]

Been working in a Lowes and some of the exit lights they've hung way up in the ceiling to make room for there forklifts, literally 15 feet above an exit door.

Perhaps the local Fire Marshal gave them approval to install the exit signs at that height because of the circumstances...

 

[cowboyjwc]

15 feet above the overhead door ? That seems to be an excessive height. Or are you saying 15 feet above finished floor at the EXIT door ?

In a motel somewhere I remember two EXIT fixtures at each door. One above the door & one down low next to the floor. The theory being in a fire with smoke, if you are crawling on the floor you can see the EXIT sign down low.

The code used to address low level exit lighting for the path of travel and also exit signs. The idea was that if you were crawling out of a building trying to stay below the smoke, you couldn't see the exit signs up high, but the problem was the they kept getting beat up and broken, so it was taken out of the code.

 

[ActionDave]

15 feet above the overhead door ? That seems to be an excessive height. Or are you saying 15 feet above finished floor at the EXIT door ?

In a motel somewhere I remember two EXIT fixtures at each door. One above the door & one down low next to the floor. The theory being in a fire with smoke, if you are crawling on the floor you can see the EXIT sign down low.

We have added the floor level EXIT signs on a couple of motels. They were required by insurance companies, not building or fire code.