1.
guide light; exit sign — illuminated signs that show evacuation routes in buildings
Illuminated signs installed in buildings to show the direction of emergency exits and evacuation routes. In Japan they are legally required in most public buildings and typically show the familiar green running-figure pictogram. Also used more generally for any light that guides movement (e.g., runway lights, signal lights for ships).
Compound of 誘導 ('guiding; leading') and 灯 ('light; lamp'). Refers to any illuminated sign or lamp used to guide people or vehicles, with evacuation exit signs being by far the most common referent.
Usage
- In Japan, 誘導灯 is the standard regulatory term for the illuminated exit and evacuation-route signs required by the Fire Service Act (消防法).
- Typical signs show either the green-background running-figure pictogram (避難口誘導灯) or a directional arrow (通路誘導灯).
- Also used in aviation (滑走路誘導灯, 'runway guide lights') and maritime contexts.
Common collocations
- 誘導灯に従う: to follow the exit signs
- 避難口誘導灯: emergency exit sign (with running-figure pictogram)
- 通路誘導灯: corridor directional sign
- 誘導灯の点検: inspection of exit signs
Similar words
- 非常灯: emergency light — the general emergency backup lighting that comes on in a blackout; distinct from 誘導灯 in that it illuminates spaces rather than showing routes.
- 非常口: emergency exit — the exit itself; 誘導灯 is the sign pointing to it.
- 案内灯: guidance light — less specific term, occasionally used for non-emergency directional lights.
- 標識: sign; marker — broader term, not necessarily illuminated.