- Author
- Collins, B. L.
- Title
- Visibility of Exit Signs and Directional Indicators.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Journal
- Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, Vol. 20, No. 1, 117-133, Winter 1991
- Sponsor
- National Electrical Manufacturers Assoc., Washington, DC
- Keywords
- exit signs | arrows | chevrons | color | contrast | directional indicators | exit | egress | emergency lighting | sign | visibility
- Abstract
- The purpose of the presented research was to determine the size at which arrows and words are visible for and exit sign at a specified distance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is currently revising the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) to standardize the inclusion of a directional indicator (i.e., arrow) in conjunction with the word Exit. The current version of NFPA 101 (1988) specifies the use of an arrow located outside the exit legend "of such size, character and location that is plainly visible and identifiable as a directional indicator". This wording allows arrows of any shape and size to be located below, above, and to the side of the legend-provisions that are not very specific. A proposed revision suggests the use of a 2.25 inch chevron, an arrow-type shape with no tail as shown in Table 1, located to the left and/or right of the 6-inch exit legend. Yet, it is not known whether the chevron is the best shape or whether 2.25 inches is the best size for adequate visibility at 100 ft, the maximum distance allowed by NFPA for locating exit signs from a means of egress. Furthermore, it is also not known whether the arrow needs to be visible at 100 ft, or at what distance an arrow is visible enough to ensure proper directional movement.