Alternatives to hard-wired Exit Signs. Tritium Exit Signs VS Photoluminescent Exit Sign?

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Non-Electric Exit Signs have increased in popularity over recent years because of their energy efficiency, ease of installation and decreased costs.  An exit sign that does not require electricity to operate is clearly the most energy-efficient.  Compared to Hard-Wired Exit Signs, Non-Electric Exit Signs don’t connect to a building’s power supply, which results in a faster & cheaper installation, while additionally reducing long term costs of power consumption and maintenance.

What Non-Electric Exit Sign is better?  Let’s briefly discuss the difference between Tritium and Photoluminescent Signs and then weight the Pros and Cons. 

Photoluminescent Exit Signs

Photoluminescent (power free) exit signs require no electricity (AC) or battery power to work. They are illuminated via photoluminescence (“glow-in-the-dark”). Since no AC connection is required, installation is incredibly simple and does not require access to conduit, an outlet, or the services of an electrician (minimal installation costs). Since no power is consumed, there is zero lifetime power consumption cost! Since there are no electronics or batteries, these signs also enjoy zero maintenance costs!

Photoluminescent Exit Signs glow

Photoluminescent tape and emergency egress signs absorb and store energy from ambient light (requires 54 LUX -5-ft candles- of fluorescent, LED, metal halide or mercury vapor light to charge material for 60 minutes). In the event of an emergency involving blackout or smoke-laden conditions, the photoluminescent product is immediately visible, providing a safe, illuminated evacuation path. Photoluminescent products can be installed easily in any location with sufficient ambient light source. We carry a variety of photoluminescent exit signs to meet your specific needs.

Photoluminescent Exit Signs last for approximately 25 years with minimal maintenance.

Self-Luminous Tritium Exit Signs

They require no AC power connection and require no ambient light source for charging. They are completely self-contained, relying on radioluminescence to illuminate the letters of the exit sign. Since no AC connection is required, installation is incredibly simple and does not require access to conduit, an outlet, or the services of an electrician (minimal installation costs). Since no power is consumed, there is zero lifetime power consumption cost because there are no electronics or batteries, these exit signs also enjoy zero lifetime maintenance costs! Tritium exits sign sales and disposals are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and require End User Contact information before your order is processed.

Tritium Exit Sign
Tritium Exit Signs are always glowing

Tritium Exit Signs have a lifespan of 10 or 20 years, depending on the unit you purchase. At the end of the lifespan, Tritium Exit Signs have special Recycling Requirements and cannot be disposed of as normal garbage or normal recyclables.

Tritium or Photoluminescent?

Not only do these two options save you power consumption and installation costs, but you can save on testing and replacement bulbs, as there are no bulbs to be changed or electrical components to be tested! In our current economy, many people are trying to save money and decrease costs. While both of these exit signs have practical applications, certain applications may explicitly require one or the other.

Here’s a few final reasons why Photoluminescent Non-Electric Exit Signs may be the sign of choice.

  • Initial Cost of the unit
  • Non-Radioactive
  • Recyclable
  • Lifespan