Category Archives: Energy Efficient

The Exit Light Company Blog | Energy Efficiency

Battle of the Power Free Exit Signs: Tritium vs. Photoluminescent

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Which Power-Free Exit Sign is Right for You?

Picture the scene… a centuries old brick building receives the designation as a protected historical site. The owners want to open a museum on the premises and begin the daunting task of bringing it up to code for public use. The fire marshal says all that’s left is the matter of egress lighting…

What to do? An exit sign is required to be mounted on that beautiful brick wall but there is no electricity at that location.

Many find themselves in this predicament, whether it’s a historical site or not. Do you really want to shell out upwards of $1000 to have an electrician run power to a location that doesn’t have it? There must be a better way right?

Enter the Power-Free Exit Sign options

Tritium Exit Signs

In the blue corner we have the self-luminous tritium exit sign. These signs are lit by tritium gas, which is contained within hermetically sealed, phosphor-lined glass tubes. Electrons emitted by the gas bombard the phosphor causing it to produce illumination. This all happens without the need for any outside power or intervention. It’s the same technology used in watch hands and firearm optics. Click here to see our full line of tritium exit signs.

Tritium Pros:

  • Set and forget – truly self-contained and maintenance free
  • Easy installation – no electrician needed
  • Code compliant – meets UL924 and NFPA 101 life safety standards

Tritium Cons:

  • High cost – starting in the upper $200’s, there is a high entry cost
  • Disposal – the costs don’t stop at the purchase price. Once the lifespan has expired, there is a high cost for disposal as well
  • Paperwork – due to their nature, these need to be registered with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Photoluminescent Exit Signs

In the red corner we have the photoluminescent exit sign. Made with photoluminescent pigments, these signs can absorb and store energy from ambient light. In the case of sudden darkness, such as a power outage, the photoluminescent material is immediately visible. Think ‘glow-in-the-dark’ toys from childhood, only much better quality. Click here to see our full line of UL listed photoluminescent exit signs.

Photoluminescent Pros:

  • Set and forget – maintenance free. No need for batteries, bulbs or even testing
  • Easy installation – no electrician needed
  • Code compliant – meets UL924 and NFPA 101 life safety standards
  • Low cost – UL Listed exit signs starting in the $40 range, so these offer the most value when installation costs are factored in

Photoluminescent Cons:

  • Light charging – 54 lux light requirement at installation location needed to maintain the “charge” of the photoluminescent pigment (light can be from manmade or natural sources), so these are not suitable for dark locations

And the Winner is…

In our opinion, the low cost and ease of installation make photoluminescent exit signs the clear winner. The one caveat is the light requirement needed to keep the photoluminescent material functioning correctly. There is a place for tritium where this light is not available, but the high initial cost as well as price of disposal make it a harder pill to swallow. If you have any questions, please contact our award winning customer service team at 877-352-3948.

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.

Continue reading “Alternatives to hard-wired Exit Signs. Tritium Exit Signs VS Photoluminescent Exit Sign?” »

Tritium Exit Sign Alternatives

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While shopping for tritium exit signs, you may have noticed the extended lead times associated with receipt of the product. Because of the rules and regulations related to the production of tritium exit signs, along with the limitations of a single operating supplier, lead time is averaging 12-24 weeks. If you are unable to wait this length of time to receive your signs, there may be an alternative for you.

 

If you are able to run power to a unit, a traditional hard wired LED exit sign is the most cost-effective option. If you are not able the run power to the location of the exit sign, you may be able to use a photoluminescent exit sign. The following chart will help you determine if you are able to use this type of sign instead of tritium: Tritium Fact Sheet.

 

If you’ve determined that a tritium exit sign is still your best option, get your order in as soon as possible!

What Makes Exit and Emergency Lighting “Green”?

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The push to “Go Green” has been gaining steam in the past decade. From small businesses trying to save money on their electric bill to multi-billion dollar corporations needing to meet certain requirements to be labeled “eco-friendly” or “green”, everyone is buying in to the trend. Many power and utility companies offer rebate programs or other incentives for replacing inefficient lighting. No matter the circumstances, there are many benefits to doing so.


This “green” movement has also made its way into exit and emergency lighting. We are often asked for exit signs or emergency lights that carry an ENERGY STAR® rating. You may have noticed that none of our exit or emergency lighting products have the ENERGY STAR certification listed. Why?


The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) suspended the ENERGY STAR rating for exit signs on May 1, 2008. This was due to new federal standards approved by Congress for exit sign efficiency for units manufactured after January 1, 2006. The EPAct 2005 references the ENERGY STAR version 2.0 specification. In short, all exit lighting produced after this date must have an input power demand of 5 watts or less, thus ending the need for an ENERGY STAR rating in this category.


These requirements have been met by using new energy-efficient lighting sources, most popular being Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). LEDs have become the main component in exit sign illumination and in recent years have also started replacing incandescent bulbs for emergency lighting needs. You can further research the differences in lighting technologies on our FAQs page. Because of these changes, battery technology has also improved dramatically. Due to lessened power needs, smaller and more reliable Nickel Cadium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries have replaced the bulky, less so Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) types. The size and weights of exit and emergency lighting units have decreased tremendously because of this, while still providing equal or, in most cases, increased performance and reliability. Other energy efficient lighting types include fluorescent, photoluminescent, radioluminescent and electroluminescent light sources.


While efficient in power usage, these improvements in lighting technology also lower maintenance costs. LEDs have a lifetime of 25+ years and NiCad batteries hold an approximate lifespan of 5 years under appropriate conditions. Although ensuring that your units are working properly with monthly, quarterly and yearly testing is still recommended (and required in some areas), the amount of time spent replacing batteries and bulbs is significantly reduced. Stay in touch for next weeks blog regarding testing recommendations!

Fire Exit Signs to meet to Federal, State and Local fire codes

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Fire Exit Signs, commonly known as exit signs, aid in the emergency egress of building occupants during a fire by providing a lighted version of the word EXIT. Federal, state and local building codes require fire exit signs in all public and commercial facilities. These building codes stipulate the installation locations and placement for fire exit signs throughout the building and the type of fire exit sign that must be installed.

 

While all fire exit signs are required to be illuminated, not all models require electricity. UL 924 listed fire exit signs are available in AC powered, non-electric self luminous Tritium or photoluminescent models all of which are compliant for use in the United States and Canada.

Power Free, Photoluminescent “glow-in-the-dark” Exit Signs

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Image of UL 924 listed photoluminescent exit signPhotoluminescent signs, often referred to as “glow-in-the-dark” signs, absorb and store energy from normal ambient light, then release this energy in the form of a visible glow when the lights go out. Photoluminescent products automatically recharge once the lights are turned on, requiring approximately 60 minutes of exposure to 5 foot-candles or 54 LUX of natural light‡, fluorescent, metal halide or mercury vapor light. [ ‡A 100W incandescent bulb produces about 1750 lumens or 137 foot-candles. A 23 watt fluorescent light produces about 1600 lumens or 125 foot-candles. ]

In the event of a power failure UL 924 listed photoluminescent exit signs are immediately visible from a distance of 50 to 75 feet. Current photoluminescent materials have a much longer and brighter glow compared to old materials, helping to speed evacuation during a lights-out emergency.

This failsafe technology works without electricity. Photoluminescent exit signs are completely power free, requiring no electricity (AC) or batter power to operate. Since no electrical connection is required, installation is very easy. Plus, with no power consumption, no electronics, no batteries to replace and no bulbs to burn out or break, these signs provide zero operational or maintenance costs over the lifetime of the product. Industrial-grade photoluminescent tapes and signs are designed to withstand normal wear and tear, making them a reliable solution that is “always ready” in an emergency.

A Proven Solution

Shortly after the tragic events of September 11th, the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted an investigation into the evacuation process at the World Trade Center. According to the investigation, existing photoluminescent markings in the stairwells was one of the most commonly reported forms of aid in evacuating the buildings. As a result, the city of New York passed Local Law 26, requiring the installation of photoluminescent exit signs and floor level exit pathway markings in all commercial high rise buildings over 75 feet tall. Residential, hospital, hotel and educational buildings are installing photoluminescent exit signs and egress markings on a voluntary basis.

We recommend photoluminescent fixtures and markings as a reliable, energy efficient and cost effective solution to prepare for a lights-out emergency in your facility.

Demystifying power-free, self luminous, Tritium Exit Signs

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Self-luminous EXIT signs containing the radioactive gas tritium are widely used in a variety of facilities across the United States, such as public and private office buildings, theaters, stores, schools and churches – anywhere the public needs a rapid exit path. Those who possess tritium EXIT signs are general licensees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State, and are subject to certain reporting and handling requirements, including proper disposal of unwanted or unused signs. Tritium EXIT signs pose little or no threat to public health and safety and do not constitute a security risk.” — United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Fact Sheet on Tritium EXIT signs

Are Tritium Exit Signs bright enough?

While tritium lamps are not visible when normal lighting is on in a building, the UL 924 required contrast ration of the face color makes the exit sign very visible when the normal lighting is off. In fact, the brightness of a Tritium Exit sign is over double the minimum requirement set by UL 924.

 

Are Tritium Exit Signs UL 924 approved?

Yes, all tritium exit signs sold by The Exit Light Company have a UL 924 listing for exit signs.

 

Which types of installations are ideal for Tritium Exit Signs?

Tritium is a perfect choice when: there is not enough ambient light to charge a photoluminescent sign; there is no electrical power supply to the location; environments where electricity could ignite particles in the environment; where zero power consumption and no maintenance cost is desired.

What is the real purpose behind lighted LED exit signs?

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Power outages occur in businesses, educational and medical facilities across the country every day. Are you prepared for such an emergency? Many people think that the sole purpose of an exit sign is to mark stairwells and building exits. However, that is only a secondary purpose for lighted LED exit signs.

 

Image of lighted red LED exit signThe real function of lighted LED exit signs is to allow you to find the exit or emergency egress route in the event of an emergency situation. Many times a power outage can be the result of a fire in the building. In such cases, finding the emergency exits can be complicated not only by a loss of power but from the presence of smoke in emergency egress routes. Under these circumstances, lighted exits signs powered by rechargeable backup batteries can literally save lives by allowing individuals to safely exit the building.

 

Most relevant codes (fire, building, health or safety) require exit signs to be permanently lit. The use of light-emitting diode (LED) technology provides brighter illumination than incandescent lamps, resulting in better visibility in a fire situation. LED exit signs also consume much less energy than traditional incandescent models, typically requiring about 4 watts of power to operate. This results in significant cost savings over the life span of the fixture, especially considering that LEDs have a very long life and may last for 10 or more years of continuous use.

The ban on incandescent bulbs begins in Europe, Australia and Cuba

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The debate on how to save the environment has been going on for decades. Recently, new restrictions have been going into effect across most of the European Union in an endeavor to cut greenhouse emissions. The sale of incandescent bulbs has been banned across Europe. This is the continent’s latest effort to get people to save energy and fight global warming.

 

Restricted from selling incandescent bulbs, companies in Europe now have to switch to the new compact fluorescent lamps, which use up to 80 percent less energy and do not burn out as quickly. According to James Kanter from the New York Times, “A bulb can cost €10 ($14 USD) or more, depending on type — whereas traditional incandescent bulbs cost about 70 cents each. But E.U. officials argue that the energy savings would cut average household electricity bills by up to €50 a year, amounting to about €5 billion annually. That would help buoy the economy if consumers spent their savings.”

 

Why the ban on incandescent bulbs?

The reason for the ban is the E.U.’s goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. The E.U. is implementing new energy-efficient ways to save the environment. Everything from televisions to washing machines are starting to be made with this in mind. The E.U. is not the only country banning incandescent light bulbs. Australia has already introduced the new light bulbs and Cuba is only using compact fluorescent bulbs. In the United States, incandescent bulbs are planned to be phased out in 2012.

 

James Kanter says: “E.U. officials sought to reassure consumers that they still would have plenty of choice, and that the changes would be gradual. The clear 60-watt bulb, one of the most commonly used, would remain available until at least September 2011, and clear 40-watt bulbs until 2012. E.U. officials said that they would find ways to push the industry to reduce the amount of mercury to levels around 2 milligrams per bulb from the current level of 5 milligrams per bulb.” But WWF, an environmental group, says standard halogen bulbs should also have been removed from the market. “Getting rid of incandescent bulbs is a no-brainer, but halogens are nearly as wasteful,” said Mariangiola Fabbri, a senior energy policy officer for WWF.

 

For over 10 years The Exit Light Company has carried environmentally friendly products, most of which use LED lights that are even more efficient than fluorescent bulbs. Many of the products meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines. All of the exit signs have an input power demand of 5 watts or less per face. The LED Retrofit Kits convert older exit signs which utilize incandescent bulbs into vastly more energy-efficient LED lighting. We ship our products using packaging made from 100% recycled polystyrene that meets Green Cross certification standards for post and pre-consumer waste content. The Exit Light Company not only has their customers in mind but the environment as well.

The Exit Light Company Knows Green

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The Exit Light Company is committed to providing emergency egress lighting and signage that is not only life-saving, but environmentally friendly. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings, we advocate the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, which encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. The Exit Light Company sells a variety of products that are LEED® points eligible and can help your project or building become LEED® certified.

Many of our products meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines. All of our exit signs have an input power demand of 5 watts or less per face. Our Photoluminescent Exit Signs and Tritium Self-Luminous Exit Signs operate have absolutely no power requirements. We carry LED Retrofit Kits to convert older exit signs using incandescent bulbs to utilize vastly more energy-efficient LED lighting. We also carry a full line of Photoluminescent Tape & Photoluminescent Emergency Egress Signs for all your emergency sign needs. Finally, we ship our products using packing made from 100% recycled polystyrene that meets Green Cross certification standards for post and pre-consumer waste content.

With your help, we can make a difference. Call us if have questions about how to make your emergency lighting or egress signage project more environmentally sound.