Glow in the Dark Exit Signs

Luminous fire safety signs are important in any building. They help guide employees, customers and visitors to safety in an emergency. Exit signs are especially important when the lights go out and egress routes become obscured or cut off. But not all exit signs are created equal. Many require a power source that will continue to illuminate the sign in the event of a power outage. That’s a big drawback for many facilities looking to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.

One way to do that is by converting from electricity-dependent exit signage to power free options such as glow in the dark exit signs. Known as photoluminescent (PL) signs, they are made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials such as strontonium oxide. Glow in the dark signs are highly luminous and can remain lit for up to 18 hours after being charged by natural or artificial light. They are a great alternative to traditional LED, fluorescent and mercury vapor exit signs that use up valuable battery life.

The good news is that most PL signs meet the backup illumination requirements of NFPA 101 and IBC, making them a good choice for buildings seeking to reduce their electricity bills without sacrificing life safety in the event of an emergency. However, there are a few key differences between glow in the dark exit signs and other emergency lighting solutions.

A: Unlike electric exit signs that use batteries, a UL 924 listed photoluminescent sign requires no maintenance or replacement of the luminous material. These signs have a long lifespan of up to 25 years and are easy to install. They are also safe to handle and have no radioactive components. They are a better choice than tritium exit signs that have to be stored in special containers and have an expensive disposal process.

Besides offering the benefit of a longer illumination duration, a luminous exit sign is a cost effective solution to emergency lighting needs. It eliminates the need to purchase and store costly batteries. This results in savings at installation and over the long term. It also reduces the risk of liability for a facility if the sign fails to provide adequate visibility during an emergency.

Glow in the dark signs are also a great option for schools and other places where the occupants may be unfamiliar with the building layout. Unlike traditional electrical exit signs, they require no maintenance and can be installed at any location, including ceilings. Glow in the dark exit signs are also a great choice for facilities that do not want to deal with the expense of hiring an electrician to wire in an electrical system.

All buildings should have a clear and visible exit path for all people in the event of an emergency. Whether the power goes out due to a storm, an accident or a fire, exit signs can help people find their way to safety. In most cases, an NFPA-, IBC- or OSHA-compliant exit sign must remain visible to all people in the space for 90 minutes after the power goes out.