This is one where I don't agree with most code users. I do not see exit lights as being general lighting as they are on 100% of the time. If you are using battery backup exit lights, I don't see any reason why they have to be on a lighting circuit. No matter what circuit they are fed from, the battery will take over when the normal power feed is lost. There is no decrease in safety no matter what circuit is used to supply the lights.
Note, this comment only applies to illuminated exit signs and does not apply to combination iluminated exit signs and emergency ligthing.
Even if you say that they have to comply with 700.12(I) [2020 code], you can put them on any circuit that orginates in the same panel, as they really screwed up the rule in the 2020 and 2023 codes. The language in 700.12(F) for the 2017 code had it right, but they tried to make changes in the 2020 because with the use of LED lighting, fewer circuits are required. However the change they made, made the problem worse>
