Projecting Sign and Angled Sign: Differences, Use and Rules

In a long corridor, flat signs on the wall are hard to see. People simply walk past them. Projecting signs and angled signs solve this problem. They stick out from the wall into the room. This makes them visible from a distance.

Here you can read how they differ, when they are required and how to mount them correctly.

What is a projecting sign?

A projecting sign sticks out from the wall at a right angle, like a flag. It is printed on both sides. This way, the symbol can be seen from both directions of travel. Projecting signs are also called flag signs.

What is an angled sign?

An angled sign consists of two surfaces that stand at an angle to each other. It is fixed to the wall and points into the room with its tip. This makes the symbol easy to see from the left, the right and diagonally from the front.

Projecting sign or angled sign: the difference

• Projecting sign: flat, printed on both sides, ideal for long and narrow corridors.
• Angled sign: three-dimensional, visible from more angles, good for halls, corners and wide aisles.
• Both: clearly visible in the direction of travel, even when people walk past the sign.

Which sign fits better depends on the room. Many buildings use both types.

Are projecting signs required?

The law does not prescribe a specific sign. But the goal is clearly defined. According to the German technical rule ASR A2.2, fire safety signs in long rooms and corridors must be recognisable in the direction of travel. The rule explicitly names projecting or angled signs as an example.

For escape routes, ASR A1.3 applies. According to it, the escape direction should be recognisable at every point of the route. Signs that stick out from the wall help here too.

Typical locations

• Fire extinguisher F001 as a projecting sign and as an angled sign
• First aid E003 as a projecting sign and as an angled sign
• Defibrillator E010
• Fire alarm call point F005
• Blank projecting sign and blank angled sign for applying your own signs

Which size is right?

The size depends on the distance. According to ASR A1.3, a sign measuring 150 × 150 mm can be recognised from up to 15 m. A sign measuring 200 × 200 mm can be recognised from up to 20 m. You can find the full table in our article Fire extinguisher sign.

How to mount the sign correctly

• Hang the sign high enough that nobody bumps their head.
• Nothing may cover the sign, not even an open door.
• Avoid the spot directly below the ceiling. That is where smoke collects first.
• Mount the sign directly above or next to the equipment it marks.

Projecting and angled signs from FireMat

Our projecting and angled signs are made of 1 mm PVC. The symbols comply with DIN EN ISO 7010. They are long-afterglow according to DIN 67510-1 class C, so they stay visible for a while during a power cut. They are available in 15 × 15 cm and 20 × 20 cm.

You can find more signs in our overview Warning signs and safety signs.