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Electric & Photoluminescent Exit Signs: Choosing Illuminated Exit Sign


Codes may don’t favor every emergency exit sign, but installation & design demands occasionally do!!!

 

Photoluminescent exit signs are tested and listed to the same standards as tritium exit signs. But following are some of the less-noticeable factors that can help installers and building owners to make informed choices:

 

  • Lower lifetime costs.
  • Minimal maintenance requirements.
  • Keep signs in compliance with local laws.

 

In the upcoming sections of the post, we dig deep into these photoluminescent exit signs issues. But for busy readers, here’s is a summary:

 

  • All exit signs, including photoluminescent or non-photoluminescent, meet the same strict standards. Precisely, no sign type is worse than another.
  • Photoluminescent exit signs can be easily installed, moved, and disposed of. But it’s not the same for tritium or electric signs.
  • Many local authorities don’t ask for letters and symbols signs for a certain color. If they do, non-photoluminescent signs are the best option you can bet.
  • Non-electric signs can limit facility managers’ ITM burden.
  • Many electric emergency exit signs have emergency lightings that reduce the total number of fixtures required.

 




Now, let’s move further to understand more about photoluminescent signs in detail.

 

What is Common in All Signs?

If you are planning to buy luminescent exit signs – or already bring home – the chances are that they’re one of the following three types:

 

  • Photoluminescent: It is a light-absorbing material that stores light and discharges them as a greenish glow. Most laws require that they be continuously charged with a suitable electric light source to stay fully illuminated whenever the building is busy.
  • Radioluminescent: Tritium is a radioactive gas that interacts with light-emitting compounds and delivers a red or green glow. The signs do not require any electricity or UV rays.
  • Electric: From the name itself, it’s clear that it requires an electrical supply. In the event of power failure, they glow with backup power.

 

What Are the Rules Surrounding These Exit Signs?

Most states and cities of America consider the following two leading standards:

  1. The International Building Code (IBC), produced by the International Code Council (ICC).
  2. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

 

Do Life Safety Codes Need Particular Types of Emergency Exit Signs?

NFPA 101 and the IBC do not require electric exit signs. Moreover, the code doesn’t require photoluminescent and tritium exit signs. However, sign types like the door- and wall-mounted egress signs fill in the gaps and may need to glow in a blackout.

 

Most illuminated exit signs are marked with the UL symbol, as shown below. See section 7.10.6 of NFPA 101 or section 1013.5 in the IBC (2018 editions) to know more about it.

 

The Signs May Not Follow Some Local Regulations Regarding Colored Lettering

OSHA and NFPA don’t ask for a specific color for exit signs until the color doesn’t interfere with visibility. The two most common colors in the buildings are red and green.

 

However, some local authorities are quite specific regarding the photoluminescent exit signs code and color. For instance, in Chicago, Illinois, the emergency exit signs’ letters and arrows should be red and placed against a white translucent field.

 

Installation, Replacement, and Maintenance May Be Easiest with Photoluminescent Signs

Luminescent exit signs usually consist of plastic, or aluminum materials make surface mounting easy. With ease, some adhesive tape and a few screws are all it takes to mount it on a wall or door.

 

Moreover, these photoluminescent signs can be easily moved (it doesn’t mean that every sign should be). A luminescent exit sign must be placed near a suitable source with the right characteristics.

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