Emergency Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting for Retail & Commercial

Red illuminated EXIT sign with arrow in commercial hallway — emergency lighting installation by MTE Electric in the High Desert, California.

Reliable installation, replacement, and code‑compliant service for exit signs and emergency light fixtures across the High Desert.

(760) 881-5915

When a power outage or emergency happens, your customers and team need clear, lit paths to safety. MTE Electric helps retail storefronts and commercial facilities keep egress lighting up to code, easy to maintain, and looking sharp.

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What we do


  • Whether you’re opening a new storefront or updating existing equipment, MTE Electric installs and replaces all types of exit signs to keep your business safe and compliant. We handle LED edge-lit, back-lit, and combo exit sign units that include integrated emergency lights or remote heads.

    Every installation is wired to meet current California Building and Fire Code standards, ensuring the sign remains illuminated during normal operation and automatically switches to battery backup during a power loss.

    When replacing older fluorescent or incandescent models, we upgrade you to high-efficiency LED exit signs with long-life batteries and minimal maintenance needs. Our technicians can also verify correct placement, directional arrows, and visibility per life-safety codes, so every exit path is clearly marked.

    If you manage multiple suites or retail locations, we can schedule replacements in phases and provide testing logs for your compliance records.

  • Emergency light fixtures, sometimes called “bug-eye” lights, are a critical part of every commercial safety system. MTE Electric installs, replaces, and maintains hardwired and remote emergency lights that automatically activate during a power outage to keep hallways, aisles, and exit routes visible.

    We work with LED emergency lights, remote head units, and recessed or surface-mounted fixtures to fit your building’s layout and design. Each fixture is positioned and aimed to meet minimum illumination requirements for egress paths, helping your business stay compliant with fire and building safety codes.

    If your current lights flicker, stay dim, or fail during testing, we can diagnose whether it’s a battery, circuit, or fixture issue and recommend the most cost-effective fix. For older units, we offer LED retrofits that improve brightness, efficiency, and reliability with less maintenance over time.

    All installations are neatly wired, clearly labeled, and tested to confirm battery function, charging, and coverage area, so you can be confident your emergency lighting will perform when it matters most.

  • Upgrading outdated exit signs or emergency lights to modern LED technology is one of the fastest ways to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. MTE Electric provides professional LED retrofit and conversion services for fluorescent, incandescent, or halogen emergency lighting systems in commercial and retail spaces.

    Our retrofits deliver brighter illumination with lower energy use, longer battery life, and reduced heat output — all while maintaining compliance with safety and building codes. We use UL-listed LED retrofit kits and components that integrate seamlessly into most existing housings, minimizing downtime and keeping your space looking clean and consistent.

    During your retrofit, we also inspect wiring, charging circuits, and battery performance to ensure the entire system is functioning properly. If a full fixture replacement is more practical, we’ll recommend durable, high-efficiency LED models that match your layout and aesthetic.

    The result: energy savings, reduced maintenance, and dependable egress lighting your customers and employees can count on — day or night.

  • Your emergency lighting is only as reliable as its battery backup. MTE Electric provides testing, inspection, and replacement services to ensure every exit sign and emergency light activates properly during a power outage.

    We perform functional push-button tests and 90-minute discharge tests in line with common life-safety and fire code expectations. These tests verify that your batteries still deliver full output and that charging systems are working as intended.

    If a unit fails, we’ll determine whether it needs a battery replacement or a complete fixture upgrade. We stock and install sealed lead acid, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery types, all chosen for long-term performance and compatibility with your fixtures.

    As part of our service, we can also provide maintenance logs for your compliance records and help set up a simple monthly testing checklist for your staff. Regular testing and timely replacements keep your system reliable — so when the lights go out, your exits stay lit.

  • For businesses that want safety and style, MTE Electric installs and replaces photoluminescent and edge-lit exit signs that meet modern code requirements while enhancing your interior design.

    Photoluminescent exit signs use a special glow-in-the-dark material that absorbs ambient light and remains visible during a power outage — with no wiring, batteries, or maintenance required. They’re an excellent choice for areas with sufficient lighting and where a clean, low-profile look is preferred.

    Edge-lit exit signs, on the other hand, use energy-efficient LEDs that illuminate clear or frosted acrylic panels for a sleek, modern appearance. These signs are perfect for storefronts, lobbies, and office suites where aesthetics matter as much as visibility.

    MTE Electric will help you determine which option best fits your building’s layout, lighting conditions, and local code requirements. Every installation is neatly mounted, labeled, and verified for proper illumination and visibility — ensuring your exits are both safe and visually appealing.

  • Over time, exit signs and emergency lights can end up tied into random circuits or wired inconsistently — especially in older buildings or multi-tenant spaces. MTE Electric provides wiring clean-up and dedicated circuit installations to bring your emergency lighting system back to code and improve reliability.

    We trace and label existing wiring, remove outdated connections, and reconfigure circuits so your exit signs, emergency lights, and combo units are powered correctly. Whenever possible, we install dedicated emergency lighting circuits with clear breaker identification, ensuring the system isn’t accidentally turned off or overloaded.

    Our technicians take pride in neat conduit work, organized junction boxes, and proper labeling, making it easier for future maintenance and inspections. By cleaning up and separating your emergency lighting from general power, we help ensure consistent operation and a professional, code-compliant electrical layout throughout your facility.

  • Keeping your emergency lights and exit signs in top working condition doesn’t have to be complicated. MTE Electric offers custom maintenance plans designed to help retail and commercial properties stay compliant year-round without the stress of surprise failures or last-minute inspections.

    Our plans include regular testing, inspection, and documentation of your exit signs and emergency lights — including the required monthly functional test and annual 90-minute battery test. We provide clear logs that meet common life-safety and fire code standards, so you always have records ready for inspectors or insurance audits.

    If we discover a weak battery or non-functioning fixture, we’ll handle replacements promptly using compatible, long-life components. You’ll also get reminders for upcoming testing intervals to keep your facility always compliant.

    Whether you manage one storefront or multiple commercial spaces, we can tailor a plan to your schedule and budget — helping you maintain safe, code-compliant egress lighting with complete peace of mind.

  • Proper placement and aiming of exit signs and emergency lights is just as important as the equipment itself. MTE Electric ensures every fixture we install or replace is positioned for maximum visibility and coverage, meeting or exceeding California Building and Fire Code standards.

    We assess your building layout — including hallways, doorways, stairwells, and open areas — to determine the best mounting locations, heights, and angles for each unit. Our goal is to create a clear, continuous path of illumination along every egress route.

    During installation, our technicians aim and test every light head to eliminate dark spots and ensure even lighting. We also verify that exit signs are visible from all required viewing angles and placed at every change in direction or intersection per life-safety guidelines.

    The result is a professionally installed, code-compliant system that’s both safe and reliable — giving your business confidence that in any emergency, every path to safety is clearly lit and easy to follow.

Our technicians take pride in neat conduit work, organized junction boxes, and proper labeling, making it easier for future maintenance and inspections. By cleaning up and separating your emergency lighting from general power, we help ensure consistent operation and a professional, code-compliant electrical layout throughout your facility.

Why businesses choose MTE Electric


  • MTE Electric is a locally owned and operated electrical contractor serving California’s High Desert communities. We understand the unique needs of retail storefronts, commercial buildings, and multi-tenant spaces in this region — from older wiring layouts to the latest energy-efficient upgrades.

    As a licensed and insured C-10 electrical contractor, we follow California’s safety and permitting standards on every project, ensuring all work meets code and inspection requirements. Our team brings real, hands-on experience with commercial lighting systems, exit and emergency circuits, and tenant improvements, so you can count on dependable results.

    Being local means we’re also available when you need us most. Whether it’s an emergency lighting issue before an inspection or a new installation during a remodel, we’re nearby, responsive, and ready to help. When you work with MTE Electric, you’re partnering with a reliable, community-based electrician who takes pride in quality workmanship and long-term relationships.

  • When it comes to emergency lighting and exit signs, code compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential. MTE Electric makes sure every installation, replacement, and test meets the standards set by the California Building Code (CBC), California Fire Code (CFC), and applicable NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements.

    Our technicians stay up to date with the latest local and national regulations to ensure your lighting systems are installed and maintained correctly. From fixture spacing and aiming angles to required testing intervals, we handle all the details that inspectors look for.

    We also document every installation and provide testing logs where applicable, making compliance simple for business owners and property managers. When you choose MTE Electric, you’re not just getting a quick install — you’re getting work that’s safe, verifiable, and inspection-ready from day one.

  • We understand that your business can’t afford unnecessary downtime — especially during open hours. That’s why MTE Electric schedules work with minimal disruption to your staff, customers, and operations.

    Our team coordinates installations and replacements around your business hours, offering early morning, evening, or off-peak appointments whenever possible. We arrive prepared, work efficiently, and maintain clean, organized job sites to keep your space safe and accessible throughout the process.

    For retail environments, we’re mindful of customer traffic and visibility. We use low-profile equipment and quick setups to complete the job without blocking aisles or interfering with displays. For larger commercial buildings, we can phase work area by area to keep your business running smoothly.

    With MTE Electric, you can expect professional service that respects your schedule — so your lighting upgrades happen seamlessly without slowing down your day.

  • Clean, organized electrical work isn’t just about appearance — it’s about safety, reliability, and pride in craftsmanship. At MTE Electric, we take the time to ensure every exit sign, emergency light, and wiring connection looks as good as it performs.

    Our installations feature straight conduit runs, properly labeled circuits, and tidy junction boxes, all done with attention to detail that reflects professional quality. Whether your system uses surface-mounted conduit or hidden runs above ceilings, we route and secure everything to meet code and maintain a clean, professional look.

    We also take care to minimize unnecessary holes, clutter, or exposed wiring during installation, leaving your space orderly and compliant. After each job, we double-check connections, aim fixtures properly, and verify that every unit operates as intended.

    It’s part of our commitment to deliver work that’s both functional and visually polished, ensuring your emergency lighting system performs reliably and looks professionally installed.

  • At MTE Electric, we believe professional electrical work should come with transparent, upfront pricing — no surprises and no guesswork. Every project begins with a clear written proposal that outlines exactly what’s included, so you know the full scope and cost before any work begins.

    We provide itemized options whenever possible — whether you’re choosing between different fixture types, battery options, or upgrade paths. This lets you make informed decisions that fit your budget and long-term maintenance goals.

    Our quotes are straightforward and easy to understand, with labor, materials, and testing clearly detailed. If your project scope changes, we’ll communicate adjustments immediately so you’re never left wondering what to expect.

    With MTE Electric, you get honest pricing, clear communication, and no hidden fees — just dependable service from a licensed local contractor you can trust.

Service areas (High Desert)


We proudly serve: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Helendale, Hesperia, Lenwood, Lucerne Valley, Oak Hills, Oro Grande, Phelan, Silver Lakes, Spring Valley Lake, and Victorville.

Popular options


  • Saves space above doors

  • For long hallways or larger showrooms

  • For a modern look at storefront entries

  • For tall ceilings or warehouse aisles

  • For public areas

See Our Work


Get a closer look at how MTE Electric helps retail storefronts and commercial properties stay safe and code-compliant.

Dual-head LED emergency light fixture installed by MTE Electric for commercial safety lighting in the High Desert, California.

Our gallery features real installations of exit signs, emergency light fixtures, and LED conversions throughout the High Desert — all completed with professional attention to detail.

From edge-lit EXIT signs in storefronts to high-output emergency lights in warehouses, you’ll see examples of clean, compliant installations that reflect the quality and reliability we bring to every project.

See Our Recent Projects

Ready to upgrade your emergency lighting?


Make sure your business is safe, compliant, and ready for anything. Whether you need new exit signs, emergency light fixtures, or battery backup testing.

(760) 881-5915

FAQs


  • Most facilities follow a monthly quick test and a yearly 90‑minute test for battery‑backed units. We can set you up with a simple log.

  • Often, a battery swap will restore function. During our assessment we’ll confirm whether replacement or full fixture upgrade is more cost‑effective.

  • In most cases, yes — we can match the brand and style of your existing exit signs and emergency lighting. However, as manufacturers continue transitioning to LED technology, some older fixture styles are no longer produced.

    Most manufacturers maintain consistent designs across their LED product lines, so we can typically find a matching or very similar fixture to blend with your current setup. In cases where a specific model or style has been discontinued, we’ll present the closest available option in appearance, finish, and mounting style to keep your space looking cohesive.

    Our goal is to maintain a uniform, professional appearance across your storefront or facility while ensuring your lighting system stays modern, efficient, and fully code-compliant.