Exit Signs

Exit Sign FAQs

• Do battery powered exit signs exist?
  
  Standard exit signs can be powered by rechargeable batteries that automatically power the unit when the main electricity goes out -the runtime is 90-minutes per the UL924 requirement. However, when people ask about battery powered exit signs it's often because they need an exit sign in an area without electricity. We have two types of solutions for these situations : Self Luminous Exit Signs and Photoluminescent Exit Signs. In situations where the location of installation doesn't have easy access to electricity and the cost of running hard-wired electricity and conduit is too expensive, these options make great sense. The two options have their own pros and cons, here they are: Photoluminescent exit signs, also known as glow-in-the-dark exit signs, are charged using consistent ambient lighting shining on the face of the sign (minimum of 54lux or 5ft candles). There are other certain requirements that must be followed with this type of exit sign. For example, the lights that charge the sign can't be turned off by a switch that is accessible to the public and the charging light must remain on while the building is occupied (even before the building is occupied to ensure a full charge before occupancy). If you use this type of sign you -must- ensure that they are UL924 certified and not the flimsy models you typically associate with a 'yard sale'. The difference is that UL924 code compliant models use industrial grade glow in the dark pigment and have superior thermal properties. The other type of exit sign that doesn't require electricity is a self-luminous exit sign, also known as a tritium exit sign. This type of sign uses radioactive isotopes in phosphorus-coated tubes to generate light for 10-20 years. We have both types of these exit signs. They are safe and very popular. It should be noted that self-luminous exit signs will need to be disposed of or recycled at a licensed recycling facility at the end of their lifespan. We can handle this for you.
  ExitExpo.com
• How long do exit signs last?<
  
  Standard Indoor LED exit signs last approximately 7-10 years. Premium models will reach greater than 10 years. Self Luminous Exit Signs last between 10-20 years. Photoluminescent Exit Signs don't technically have an expiration date because there are no moving parts. They do however need to be cleaned with the correct cleansers to ensure that they don't experience light absorption reduction such as would be caused if you, for example, sprayed an 'anti-dust' solution that contains wax. Light Emitted Capacitor or LEC exit signs are generally rated to last for greater than 15 years.
  ExitExpo.com
• Do Glass Exit Signs Exist?
  
  Glass faceplates were previously used in rectangular box exit signs with incandescent bulbs, but typically now you'd only see them in Chicago. When customers ask about glass exit signs they generally want to know about Edge-lit exit signs, an exit sign design that uses a clear acrylic panel which looks clear like glass when illuminated.
  ExitExpo.com
• How do Exit Signs work when there is a power outage?
  
  With an electrically powered exit sign the power source is monitored -either by an integrated circuit in the exit sign or within an emergency power inverter or generator- which upon detection of a lapse in power automatically switches to another source of standby power. the standby power can be an integrated battery within the exit sign, a bank of batteries in a power inverter connected to the circuit, or a generator system. For a non-electrical exit sign, such as a self-luminous exit sign or a photoluminescent exit sign, the signs are always illuminated and become visibly so when the ambient lighting is reduced such that the exit sign face contrasts with the surrounding darkness. A key point to note is that regardless of the method the exit sign should be inspected and tested once monthly and be subjected to an extensive annual inspection to ensure readiness. Often the batteries or lamps in an exit sign can exceed their rated life span without going noticed, this is especially true with a self-luminous exit sign which requires virtually no maintenance for 10-20 years.
  ExitExpo.com