Walk through any commercial building in Ontario and you'll spot them everywhere — exit signs. They're so common we barely notice them. But the technology behind them has changed significantly, and understanding the difference can affect your maintenance costs, energy consumption, and compliance standing.
The Standard: LED Combo Exit Sign
The traditional exit sign most property managers know is the combination unit — a white housing with red lettering, flanked by two adjustable emergency light heads. These units serve a dual purpose: they mark the exit path and provide emergency illumination when power fails. They're reliable, widely available, and fully compliant with the Ontario Fire Code. Battery backup is built in, and they're straightforward for fire protection contractors to inspect and test during annual life safety checks.
The New Generation: Edge-Lit LED Panel Signs
The newer technology gaining traction is the edge-lit acrylic LED exit sign. Instead of traditional bulb clusters, these units push light through a thin acrylic panel, creating a uniform, vivid red glow across the entire face of the sign. The result is a thinner profile, lower energy draw, and a more modern aesthetic — particularly suited for condos, office towers, and commercial spaces where design matters alongside function.
These signs run cooler, have fewer moving parts to fail, and the LED strips that power them are rated for significantly longer service life than older lamp-based units.
What This Means for Property Managers
Regardless of which generation of exit sign is installed in your building, the inspection and testing requirements under the Ontario Fire Code remain the same. Exit signs must be tested monthly (functional test) and annually (full 90-minute battery duration test). Records must be kept.
The difference is in long-term cost: newer edge-lit units typically reduce energy consumption and lower the frequency of lamp replacements — reducing the maintenance calls your fire protection contractor needs to make.
Thinking About Upgrading?
If your building still has older fluorescent or incandescent exit signs, an upgrade to LED — whether combo or edge-lit panel — is worth discussing with a verified fire protection contractor. The ROI on reduced energy and maintenance costs is real, and modern units are easier to keep compliant.
TradesNetworks connects Ontario property managers with verified fire protection contractors who handle exactly this — inspections, upgrades, and compliance documentation.
