Illuminated exit bar

An illuminated exit bar incorporates a light source within the elongated space defined between a door-mounted housing and a push bar. The push bar defines an elongated opening for light generated within the exit bar. An exit plate covers the push bar opening and defines light transmissive openings in the form of exit instructions. An exit insert of light transmissive material is configured to be complementary to the exit plate. Light is gathered from within the exit plate and conducted to the push face of the exit bar to provide illuminated words and/or symbolic instructions for egress. The illuminated light bar is configurable for installation on left or right hand opening doors by electrically altering the pattern of internal illumination and assembling some parts in alternative configurations. The illuminated exit bar is compatible with electronic building security systems. The pattern of illuminated instructions can be remotely altered to reflect changed security conditions.