Emergency Exit Sign Alarm Sign Safety

Description

An “Emergency Exit — Alarm Will Sound” sign in UV-rated PVC plastic. Green and white on a green field — 340mm wide × 180mm tall. Installed above emergency exit doors to indicate the exit route and alert building occupants that operating the door will trigger the alarm. The dual function of this sign is critical: it directs occupants to the exit while simultaneously warning against casual use that would cause unnecessary alarm activations.

Emergency exit doors in commercial buildings are often fitted with push bar hardware and connected to the building’s alarm system — opening the door activates a local sounder or the main fire alarm panel. The “Alarm Will Sound” text on the sign prevents false alarm activations from occupants who use the emergency exit as a convenient shortcut, while ensuring the door remains a clearly identified emergency egress route.

Where to Use

• Emergency exit doors in commercial offices, retail premises, and shopping centres
• Exit doors in industrial and warehouse facilities connected to alarm systems
• Stairwell and fire exit doors in multi-storey buildings
• Emergency exit doors in schools, healthcare facilities, and public buildings
• Any alarmed emergency exit door where casual use would cause false alarm activations

Key Features

• 340mm × 180mm format — horizontal banner suited to door head mounting above exit hardware
• Green field with white text and running figure symbol — standard emergency exit colour code
• “Alarm Will Sound” text — prevents casual use of alarmed emergency exit doors
• UV-rated PVC plastic — long service life without fading

Compliance & Placement

Emergency exit signage in Australian buildings is governed by the NCC and AS 2293.1 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings). Exit signs must be illuminated or externally lit to remain legible — this sign is a supplementary identification panel, not a compliant illuminated exit sign on its own. For NCC-compliant exit sign requirements (illuminated), a separate illuminated sign is required above the exit door. This sign is typically mounted adjacent to or below the illuminated exit sign, above the exit door hardware at 1,800–2,200mm from floor level. Confirm sign condition at each AS 1851 service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sign a substitute for an illuminated exit sign?

No — this is not an illuminated exit sign and does not substitute for the NCC’s illuminated exit sign requirement. Under AS 2293.1, emergency exit signs must be internally illuminated or continuously lit and visible in both normal and emergency lighting conditions. This sign is a supplementary identification panel — it adds the “Alarm Will Sound” warning text and the emergency exit symbol to the exit door installation. An illuminated exit sign is required separately above the exit door to meet the NCC’s exit sign standard. Both can be installed together.

Why does an emergency exit need an “Alarm Will Sound” warning?

Many emergency exit doors are connected to the building alarm system — pushing the bar triggers the alarm panel. This is a deliberate design feature: any opening of an emergency door in normal conditions should be treated as a potential emergency. Without the warning text, occupants may use the door as a convenient exit (avoiding the main entrance), causing repeated false alarm activations. False alarms have direct costs — emergency service call-outs, building evacuation disruption, and alarm fatigue that reduces occupant response to genuine alarms. The warning text significantly reduces casual use.

What if the exit door is not connected to an alarm?

If the exit door is not alarmed, the “Alarm Will Sound” text is inaccurate and should not be used — it would cause occupants to hesitate at an emergency exit during a real fire event. For non-alarmed emergency exits, use a standard emergency exit direction sign without the alarm warning text. Confirm the alarm connection status of your exit doors with your fire protection and security installer before selecting signage.

What colour is required for emergency exit signs in Australia?

Australian emergency exit signage uses a green background with white symbol and text — a running figure with directional arrow, consistent with ISO 7010 (E001/E002 graphical symbols). This differs from older US-style red “EXIT” signs. The green-and-white format is the required standard under AS 2293.1 for all new installations. If an older building has red exit signs installed, they are required to be replaced with the green format under the current standard when the signs are renewed or the building undergoes significant renovation work.

Does this sign satisfy the exit sign requirements on its own?

No — this is a non-illuminated PVC plastic panel. AS 2293.1 requires exit signs to be illuminated (internally lit or externally lit with emergency backup). This sign does not meet that requirement on its own. It is used as a supplementary identification sign alongside a compliant illuminated exit sign, or in locations where the illuminated sign is already installed and this panel provides the additional “Alarm Will Sound” information. For new installations requiring full NCC exit sign compliance, consult your fire protection installer.