Unlock Safety: Best Emergency Exit Signs in the UK

Unlock Safety: Finding the Best Emergency Exit Signs in the UK for Your Business

Why the Right Emergency Exit Signs Matter

Think of emergency exit signs as the quiet heroes of workplace safety — they don't get applause, but they save lives. Clear, compliant signage helps everyone find the fastest route out in a panic, reducing confusion, bottlenecks, and injuries. Whether you run a shop, a small factory, or a busy office, the right fire exit signs are a legal and moral must-have. Choosing the wrong sign or a poorly placed light could mean wasted seconds when they matter most.

Legal Standards and Compliance: What to Know

In the UK, emergency signage should meet recognised standards like BS EN ISO 7010 for graphical symbols and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order for workplace safety. That means signs must be clearly visible, use standard icons, and in many cases be illuminated or photoluminescent so they remain readable in low light. If you’re wondering “how high do I mount signs?” aim for around 6 to 7 feet where they're within sightlines — that’s roughly chest to head height for most adults.

Colours, Symbols, and Sizes

Standard escape signs use green backgrounds with white symbols and text. Minimum size varies with viewing distance, but common choices are 10 inches by 8 inches for door-mounted signs and larger sizes like 20 inches by 12 inches for corridor signage. If visibility must cover longer sightlines, step up to 24 inches by 16 inches — bigger signs are harder to miss in a smoke-filled room.

Types of Emergency Exit Signs: Which One Fits Your Space?

Not all exit signs are created equal. Your choice depends on budget, building layout, and power availability. Here’s a quick breakdown so you can match the sign to the job.

Photoluminescent Signs

Photoluminescent signs charge from ambient light and glow in the dark, which makes them ideal for areas where wiring is impractical. They’re low-maintenance and last years without power, but they need regular light exposure to recharge. I like these for stairwells and escape routes that don’t see frequent electrical updates.

LED Illuminated Signs

LED signs offer bright, consistent illumination and can be tied into emergency circuits. They’re perfect for commercial spaces where you need guaranteed visibility in a power outage and often comply with strict fire safety audits. Expect a higher upfront cost but lower long-term maintenance compared with traditional neon or incandescent options.

Non-Illuminated Vinyl or Aluminium Signs

These are the budget-friendly options for well-lit environments. Use them where normal lighting is reliable, such as office corridors and retail spaces. They’re lightweight, easy to fix to walls or doors, and available in many sizes — typically 10 inches by 8 inches and up.

Where to Buy: Trusted UK Retailers and Suppliers

UK shoppers have solid options for purchasing compliant exit signs, from big-box DIY chains to specialist safety suppliers. Here’s a rundown of reliable stores you can check out, depending on whether you want speed, specialist advice, or bulk discounts.

Screwfix

Screwfix is handy if you want fast access to LED exit signs and aftermarket fittings. They stock a variety of illuminated and non-illuminated options and are great for tradespeople who need same-day pickup. Prices are competitive and the stores are usually easy to find across the country.

RS Components

RS Components is a strong choice for more technical or high-spec signage, including photoluminescent tapes and industrial-grade illuminated signs. If you need compliance-grade products or a broad range of mounting kits and accessories measured in inches for your build, RS is worth a look.

Toolstation and Wickes

Both Toolstation and Wickes offer a good middle ground for DIY and small businesses. You’ll find basic illuminated signs and a selection of sizes, plus simple mounting hardware. These outlets are ideal when you want practical, no-nonsense signage without the specialist price tag.

Seton and SafetySigns.co.uk

If you want specialist safety signage with a wide catalogue, Seton and SafetySigns.co.uk are top contenders. They offer bespoke printing, photoluminescent options, and a huge range of sizes — from compact 8-inch signs to large 24-inch emergency wayfinders. Their customer support can help match signs to regulatory requirements, which is useful if you’re not sure what you need.

Signbox and Local Sign Makers

Signbox and independent UK sign shops excel at custom jobs — think directional arrows, floor plans, and blended systems combining illuminated and glow-in-the-dark signage. If your building has tricky escape routes, a custom layout ensures arrows and distances are precise and compliant.

Choosing Materials: Durability vs. Cost

Materials range from thin vinyl to robust aluminium and acrylic. For high-traffic or outdoor routes, choose weatherproof aluminium or rigid acrylic. Indoors, printed vinyl on aluminium is economical and durable. Photoluminescent sheets are usually acrylic-based and designed to take knocks without losing luminosity. Think of materials like an investment: spending a bit more on durable signs saves replacement headaches later.

Installation Tips: Placement, Height, and Spacing

Proper installation is as important as choosing the right sign. Keep signs unobstructed, mount them at eye level where possible (about 6 to 7 feet), and use overhead signs in long corridors for better visibility. Place directional signs at junctions and every 30 to 50 feet in long escape routes — in other words, don’t make people doubt where to go.

Mounting Best Practices

Use tamper-resistant fixings in public areas and ensure electric signs are tied into the emergency circuit with battery backup where required. For temporary or rented spaces, self-adhesive photoluminescent signs are a non-invasive, effective choice.

Budgeting and Bulk Buying

Sign costs vary widely. A simple non-illuminated vinyl sign can start from around £5, while a high-quality LED unit could run to £80 or more. Buying in bulk from suppliers like Seton or SafetySigns.co.uk often brings discounts, and trade accounts at Screwfix or RS can reduce unit prices if you need dozens. If roadside visibility or complex layouts are involved, factor in installation labour at roughly £40–£60 per hour depending on your region.

Maintenance: Keep Signs Bright and Effective

Regular checks keep your signs compliant and visible. Photoluminescent signs should be tested in low light to ensure they still glow strongly — if brightness fades, replacement is due. LED signs need battery checks every 12 months in line with building safety audits. Make a simple checklist: visibility, cleanliness, illumination, and fixings — and you’ll sleep better knowing your escape routes are ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common error is assuming one sign fits all. Size and illumination must match viewing distance and ambient conditions. Another mistake is poor placement: signs behind decorations or above bright windows can become useless. Finally, skimping on standards: non-compliant symbols or incorrect colours can fail inspections and, more importantly, confuse people in an emergency.

Case Study: Upgrading a Small Office

Imagine a 3,000 square foot office with a central staircase and two exits. The owner swapped worn vinyl signs for photoluminescent strips on stair edges and added LED exit signs above each doorway. They bought from a mix of suppliers: photolum strips from RS Components, LED heads from Screwfix, and custom directional panels from a local sign shop. The result? Clear routes, consistent illumination, and a tidy compliance file for the next safety audit.

Tips for Choosing the Right Supplier

Look for suppliers that list compliance standards, offer a range of sizes in inches, and provide clear warranty and testing information. If you need bespoke layouts, choose a provider that will support CAD placements or onsite surveys. And if you’re unsure, ask for sample materials to check finish and luminosity before placing a large order.

Final Checks Before Purchase

Before clicking “buy,” double-check the sign’s certification, confirm viewing distance guidelines, and ensure the product dimensions are given in inches if that helps you visualise how they’ll fit. Also, compare the life expectancy of photoluminescent material (often years) and LED modules (usually backed by multi-year warranties) so you’re not surprised by maintenance bills a few months in.

Innovations to Watch

Newer technologies include hybrid signs that combine photoluminescence with low-power LEDs for redundancy, and smart systems that integrate with building management to report bulb or battery failures. If you manage multiple sites, these connected systems can cut the time you spend chasing “broken” signs and turn reactive maintenance into preventive care.

Conclusion

Choosing the right emergency exit signs for your UK property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by matching sign type to the environment — photoluminescent for non-wired areas, LED for guaranteed illumination — and pick reputable suppliers like Screwfix, RS Components, Seton, and specialist sign makers for bespoke needs. Pay attention to placement, size in inches, and regular maintenance to keep signs effective. With a bit of planning, good signage becomes a silent but powerful part of your safety strategy, helping everyone get out safely when it counts.

Emergency & Exit Signs FAQs

How far apart should emergency exit signs be in a corridor?

For clear visibility, position exit signs roughly every 30 to 50 feet along a long corridor, and place directional signs at every junction. If sightlines are obstructed, shorten that interval so no route is left unclear.

Do photoluminescent signs need electricity?

No — photoluminescent signs store ambient light and glow without electricity. They must, however, receive regular exposure to light to recharge and provide a reliable glow during power loss.

What height should I mount exit signs at?

Mount signs at about 6 to 7 feet from the floor so they fall roughly at eye level for most adults. Overhead signs should hang high enough not to be blocked but low enough to remain within the normal field of vision.

Can I use non-standard symbols on my exit signs?

It’s best to stick to recognised symbols per BS EN ISO 7010. Standardised icons avoid confusion and are the expectation during safety inspections and emergencies, where split-second recognition matters.

Are illuminated signs better than non-illuminated ones?

Illuminated signs (LED or battery-backed) offer consistent visibility during power loss and are often preferred in high-traffic or high-risk areas. Non-illuminated signs work well in reliably lit spaces and are more budget friendly.