NBC 2025 Exit Signage and Visibility Standards: Expert Guide for London, Ontario Construction
Sarah's Expert Insight
Senior Consultant at empcontracting.ca Inc.
"The NBC 2025 updates to exit signage are more than just aesthetic changes; they represent a move toward global safety harmonization through the 'Running Man' pictogram. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we find that early integration of these specific visibility standards during the framing and electrical rough-in phases prevents costly retrofits and ensures a seamless final inspection from the City of London building officials."
Understanding NBC 2025 Exit Signage Requirements
The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2025 has refined the standards for exit signage to ensure maximum safety and clarity during emergency evacuations. As the industry shifts towards universal design, the 2025 code reinforces the use of the ISO 7010 'Running Man' pictogram. This visual standard removes language barriers, ensuring that all occupants in a facility can identify exit routes instantly. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we prioritize these life-safety updates in every commercial and multi-unit residential project.
Illumination and Emergency Power Supply
NBC 2025 specifies that exit signs must be continuously illuminated when the building is occupied. Signs must be connected to an electrical circuit that ensures they remain lit even during a primary power failure. For most buildings in London, this requires an emergency power supply, such as batteries or a generator, capable of maintaining sign visibility for a minimum of 30 to 120 minutes depending on the building's size and occupancy type. Modern LED signage is the preferred choice for its energy efficiency and longevity.
Placement, Visibility, and Mounting Heights
Visibility is the cornerstone of the new code. Exit signs must be placed such that they are visible from any point in the exit access corridor. The NBC 2025 dictates that signs must be installed at heights that prevent obstruction by furniture or decorative elements, typically requiring the bottom of the sign to be no less than 2,000 mm above the floor level. If the path to an exit is not immediately apparent, directional signs with arrows must be used to guide occupants toward the nearest exit facility.
Photoluminescent Signage Standards
The NBC 2025 allows for the use of photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs, provided they meet the stringent CAN/ULC-S572 testing standards. These signs do not require a dedicated electrical circuit but must be 'charged' by a constant, reliable light source during normal building hours. As your expert consultant, we ensure that the ambient light levels in your London, Ontario facility are sufficient to keep these safety markers functional at all times.