Steel Emergency Lights

Steel Emergency Lights (also called steel emergency lighting or metal emergency lights) use rugged, tamper-resistant metal housings to protect heads and batteries in high-traffic or abuse-prone areas. All models provide the required 90-minute battery backup for code-compliant egress.

Buyers Guide Tips
  • Housing & abuse: Heavy-gauge steel with tamper-resistant hardware for reach zones (stairwells, corridors, docks).
  • Environment rating: Standard indoor/damp; choose wet-location gasketed steel for rain/spray. Cold-weather packages where required.
  • Runtime & compliance: UL 924 90-minute baseline; consider 120/180-minute models when evacuation is extended.
  • Output & optics: Adjustable LED heads; set lumen/beam for mounting height and verify foot-candles at 90 minutes.
  • Electrical & maintenance: 120/277V input, test button/indicator; self-testing electronics simplify monthly/annual checks.
  • Mounting & conduit: Surface wall mount; confirm knockout/hub placement for surface conduit runs.
  • City specifics: Chicago-approved steel models available where your AHJ requires them.

On this page, “metal emergency lights” refers to steel-housing fixtures built for impact resistance and day-to-day abuse. If you’re comparing materials, steel prioritizes toughness while maintaining clear, code-compliant egress lighting.

Compliance note: verify UL 924 listing and the applicable environment rating (indoor, damp, or wet). Select the appropriate steel model so 90-minute illumination is maintained under your site conditions and inspection requirements.

Steel Emergency Lights Collection
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How to Choose Steel / Metal Emergency Lighting

  • Abuse resistance: Choose heavy-gauge steel cabinets with tamper-resistant hardware when fixtures are within reach (stairwells, corridors, loading docks).
  • Environment: Standard steel units are typically indoor/damp. For rain, spray, or hose-down, use wet location emergency lights. For freezers or exposed cold, specify cold-weather steel models.
  • Output & aiming: Match lumen output and optics to corridor/stair width and verify 90-minute egress illumination during testing.
  • Mounting & power: Steel housings surface-mount to the wall; confirm conduit/knockout placement and 120/277V input on the spec sheet.
  • Finish & looks: White is standard; darker finishes are available on select models for industrial or utility spaces.

If you need lighter, corrosion-resistant metal with a sleeker profile, compare die-cast aluminum emergency lights.

Steel Emergency Lights — FAQs

When should I specify steel over thermoplastic?

Pick steel when you expect impacts, tampering, or vibration—factories, schools, detention/transport spaces, and busy stair towers. The metal cabinet protects internal components better than plastic.

Can steel emergency lights be used outdoors?

Use wet location emergency lights for rain, spray, or wash-down. Standard steel units are generally indoor/damp; always check the NEMA/IP/Wet rating on the product page.

Do steel emergency lights meet UL 924 and NFPA 101?

Yes—models in this collection are designed for 90-minute egress illumination and life-safety compliance. Confirm listings on the individual spec sheet before purchase.

Are special city requirements available (e.g., Chicago)?

Yes. See Chicago Approved Emergency Lights for fixtures that meet local rules on lamps, mounting, and performance.

What finishes and form factors are offered?

White steel is most common; select models offer darker finishes. Choose compact boxes for corridors or larger cabinets where you need extended run time or higher output.


Related: Looking for matching metal signage? Browse Steel Exit Signs.