Exit Signs Light Options: LED vs. Photoluminescent vs. Battery Backup Systems Compared
You want the best Exit Signs Light Options for your building. LED exit signs are easy to see and work well. They are bright in smoke or darkness. Photoluminescent signs are simple to put up and last a long time. These signs are a good choice for many places. Battery backup systems help exit signs stay on during power loss, keeping everyone safe. You can pick the right sign by considering safety, price, and the environment. Find out which sign is best for you. This applies to Home, About Us, Product, or business places utilizing Led Light technology.
Key Takeaways
LED exit signs are very bright and save energy. They work well in busy places. They can last up to 50,000 hours. They do not need much fixing or care.
Photoluminescent exit signs glow in the dark. They do not need power to work. They are good for the environment and save money. They last more than 25 years with little care.
Battery backup exit signs help during power outages. They make sure you can see for at least 90 minutes. You must test them often to follow rules.
Pick exit signs that fit your building’s needs. Think about how easy they are to see. Also think about saving energy and cost to keep them working.
Always look at local safety codes before you put up signs. Where you put exit signs and which type you use matters a lot for safety in emergencies.
Types Of Exit Signs
Picking exit signs for your building is important. The right signs help keep people safe. They also follow all the rules. There are different kinds of exit signs. Each type has its own good points. Here is a simple chart showing how exit signs are grouped:
Category | Types |
|---|---|
By Product Type | LED Exit Signs, Photoluminescent Exit Signs, Self-Luminous Exit Signs |
By Mounting Type | Wall Mounted, Ceiling Mounted, Recessed Mounted |
By Power Source | Electric Powered, Battery Powered, Solar Powered |
By Application | Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Public Infrastructure |
LED Exit Signs
Exit signs need to be easy to see in emergencies. LED exit signs are very bright and clear, even with smoke. These signs use led technology, so they use less electricity. You can save money on bills and fixing them. LED exit signs last much longer than old bulbs. They can work for up to 50,000 hours. You can count on them when you need help. Most led exit signs follow safety rules and can have battery backup. You often find these signs above doors in schools, offices, and stores.
Tip: LED exit signs are cheap to run and rarely need new bulbs. You save money and feel safe.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Photoluminescent exit signs are good for the environment. These signs soak up light during the day and glow at night. You do not need power or batteries for them. Photoluminescent exit signs work well in closed places and help people find the way out if the power goes out. You just need to clean them and check for damage. These signs help nature and lower your energy bills.
Photoluminescent exit signs glow in the dark or smoke.
They are easy to put up and need little care.
You do not have to worry about dangerous stuff or backup power.
Battery Backup Exit Signs
Battery backup exit signs stay on when the power goes out. They use normal power but switch to battery if needed. These signs must shine for at least 90 minutes in emergencies. Battery backup exit signs have a battery pack, charger, and test button. They follow safety rules like UL 924 and NFPA 101. Some places have extra rules, so check your local codes.
Note: Battery backup exit signs give you more safety if the power fails. You help keep everyone safe inside.
How Exit Signs Work
LED Technology
You want exit signs that work every time. LED exit signs use small lights called diodes. These diodes make bright light when electricity flows through them. This is called electroluminescence. LED exit signs use less energy than old bulbs. They last much longer, so you do not change them often. Most LED exit signs work for up to 100,000 hours. They are easy to see in smoke or darkness. Many LED exit signs have battery backup. They stay on when the power goes out. You can trust LED exit signs to help people get out safely.
Tip: LED exit signs help you save money on energy. They also need less fixing. Your building becomes safer and more dependable.
Photoluminescent Charging
Photoluminescent exit signs are a smart choice for buildings. These signs soak up light from things like warehouse lights, skylights, or windows. When the power goes out, they glow in the dark and show the way out. You do not need wires or batteries for these signs. Photoluminescent exit signs charge best under LED or fluorescent lights. You can use them in places with little light, if there is enough to charge. These signs help you spend less on energy and are good for the environment.
Photoluminescent exit signs soak up light during the day.
They glow at night or when there is an emergency.
You do not need to worry about changing batteries or wiring.
Photoluminescent exit signs work well in places like stairwells and hallways.
Battery Backup Function
Battery backup exit signs help keep people safe if the power goes out. These signs use rechargeable batteries like sealed lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion. The batteries charge when there is power and give energy when the power fails. Most battery backup exit signs use LED lights for bright and efficient lighting. You get at least 90 minutes of light during emergencies. You can test the battery with a button on the sign. Battery backup exit signs help you follow safety rules and protect everyone inside.
Type of Exit Sign | Functionality |
|---|---|
LED Lighting | Uses less energy, lasts long, gives bright light, has battery backup for power loss. |
Photoluminescent Signage | Soaks up light, glows in the dark, is good for nature, needs enough light to charge. |
Note: You should check your local rules to make sure your exit signs are safe.
Exit Signs Light Options: Comparison
Visibility & Performance
You need exit signs that are easy to see in emergencies. LED exit signs have bright letters that show the way out. They work well even if there is smoke or it is dark. Photoluminescent exit signs glow without using power. They soak up light during the day and help you in emergencies. These signs stay visible in rooms filled with smoke. Emergency lights must turn on fast and last 90 minutes. This meets safety rules. OSHA and NFPA 101 say exit signs must be easy to read and placed along every exit path. Both LED and photoluminescent exit signs give good visibility. Photoluminescent signs need enough light to charge to work best.
LED exit signs stay lit for 90 minutes if the power goes out.
Photoluminescent exit signs glow in smoke and darkness if they get 54 lux of light.
Emergency lights must give one candle foot (10.76 lux) at floor level for safe exits.
Energy & Power Needs
You save money and help the earth with energy-saving exit signs. LED exit signs use less power than old bulbs. Photoluminescent exit signs do not need any electricity. They only need enough light to charge. Sometimes, keeping lights on to charge photoluminescent signs uses more energy than LED signs. Electroluminescent signs use even less power than LED signs. Battery backup exit signs switch to battery power in emergencies. You must test battery backup signs often.
Type of Exit Sign | Power Requirement | Backup Duration |
|---|---|---|
UL 924 Listed | Must light up in 10 seconds | 90 minutes |
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) | Needs lit signs along exit paths | 90 minutes |
IFC (International Fire Code) | Must stay lit | 90 minutes |
OSHA | Needs to be seen during outages | 90 minutes |
Self-Luminous Signs (Tritium) | No power or batteries needed | 90 minutes |
Photoluminescent Signs | Charges with light | 90 minutes |
Central Emergency Power | Needs generator or inverter | 90 minutes |
Installation & Maintenance
You want exit signs that are easy to put up and care for. LED exit signs need to be wired and follow local rules. You test them every month and do a 90-minute battery test each year. Photoluminescent exit signs are quick to install. You just need to make sure they get enough light. These signs do not need electrical care. Battery backup exit signs have built-in batteries. You must test the battery backup often to follow the rules.
Type of Exit Sign | Installation Procedures | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|
LED Exit Signs | Wired in, follow local codes. | Test monthly and do a yearly 90-minute battery test. |
Photoluminescent Exit Signs | Needs enough light to charge; easy to add. | No electrical care, but check lighting for charging. |
Battery Backup Exit Signs | Has built-in batteries; must be UL 924 listed. | Test battery backup often to follow rules. |
Photoluminescent exit signs last over 25 years and just need cleaning. LED exit signs need to be replaced every 1-3 years. Battery backup exit signs need monthly checks and yearly tests. Photoluminescent exit signs save you time and money because they need less care.
Cost Factors
You want to spend less on buying and using exit signs. LED exit signs cost more to put in because you need an electrician. Photoluminescent exit signs cost less over time. You do not pay for power or new batteries. LED exit signs cost less to care for than old signs, but you still pay for new batteries and checks. Photoluminescent exit signs last as long as your building and do not need disposal costs.
Type of Exit Sign | Initial Purchase Cost | Long-Term Operational Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
Incandescent | $10 - $20 | $33.60 (energy) + $6 (maintenance) |
LED | $20 - $100 | $2.40 (energy) |
Photoluminescent | $15 - $120 | No energy cost, little maintenance |
Self-Luminous | $150 - $300 | No energy cost, little maintenance |
Photoluminescent exit signs save you money on checks and care. You do not need to buy new batteries or pay to throw them away. You get a 25-year warranty for photoluminescent exit signs used inside.
Code Compliance
You must follow safety rules and local laws for exit signs. NFPA 101 and OSHA say exit signs must be easy to see and read. They must be along every exit path. Your signs must stay lit for 90 minutes in emergencies. Photoluminescent exit signs meet these rules if they get enough light. LED exit signs and battery backup signs also meet the rules if you put them in and care for them the right way.
Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
Visibility and Contrast | Exit signs must say 'EXIT' in big, clear letters at least 6 inches tall with strong contrast. |
Illumination | Must give at least 5 foot-candles of light; can be lit from inside or outside. |
Backup Power | Needs at least 90 minutes of light if the power goes out. |
Positioning | Signs must be seen from all places and along exit paths with nothing blocking them. |
90 Minutes Illumination | UL 924 says exit signs must give 90 minutes of light if the power fails. |
Minimum Light Emission | Signs must give at least 1 footcandle of light at floor level. |
Quick Activation | Lights must turn on in 10 seconds if the power goes out. |
No national rule says one exit sign type is better than another. You must check with your local authority to make sure your exit signs follow the rules.
Environmental Impact
You help the earth by picking photoluminescent exit signs. These signs use no power, make no waste, and last over 25 years. You save 44,000 kWh each year and stop 155 tons of carbon over 10 years for every 1,000 signs you use. LED exit signs use more power and need new batteries, which makes more waste. Hybrid units use less than 2 watts and cut down on battery waste. Photoluminescent exit signs help you reach green goals and lower your carbon footprint.
Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
Energy Consumption | Hybrid units use less than 2 watts, while old battery LED signs use 4 watts. |
Material Sustainability | No batteries means less use of toxic materials from making and throwing away batteries. |
Waste Management | Hybrid technology means no battery waste, so there are fewer dangers for the earth. |
Maintenance Costs | No monthly battery checks needed, so you pay less for care over time. |
Lifespan | Hybrid units last 20 years or more, so they are reliable. |
Compliance | Meets many safety rules, so they work well in power outages. |
If you replace 1,000 LED exit signs with photoluminescent exit signs, you save $80,000 in power, 155 tons of carbon, and $50,000 in labor over 10 years.
Tip: Pick photoluminescent exit signs for the best energy savings and to help the planet. You keep people safe and protect the earth with every sign you use.
Pros & Cons Overview
LED Pros & Cons
You want exit signs that are easy to see in emergencies. LED exit signs are very bright and have strong contrast. People can spot them fast. These signs help you follow safety rules. LED exit signs use less power than old ones. They last longer, so you save money. You do not need to change them often. This means less trash and less work for you.
Pros:
Bright lights help people find exits quickly in emergencies.
LED exit signs use less energy, so your bills go down.
You spend less time and money fixing them.
These signs last for years, so you do not replace them often.
Cons:
You pay more at first to install them.
You need an electrician to put in the wires.
Throwing away old batteries can hurt the earth.
Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
Energy Efficiency | LED exit signs use less power than old signs. |
Longer Lifespan | They last much longer, so you do not replace them often. |
Low Maintenance | You do not need to fix them much, so you save time and money. |
Brightness | They are very bright, so people see them in emergencies. |
Reduced Fire Hazards | They are safer and do not cause as many fires as other lights. |
LED exit signs make less trash when they are made. They last a long time, so you throw away fewer signs.
Photoluminescent Pros & Cons
You want exit signs that work without power. Photoluminescent exit signs charge with light and glow in the dark. You do not need batteries or wires for these signs. You help the earth and save money on energy. These signs last over 25 years and need little care.
Pros:
No power is needed for these signs to glow in emergencies.
You can put them up easily without wires.
They need almost no care.
They last a long time, so you save money.
No batteries to throw away, so you help the earth.
Cons:
These signs need enough light to charge.
They do not work well in dark places.
They may not glow as bright as LED exit signs in thick smoke.
Battery Backup Pros & Cons
You want exit signs that stay on if the power goes out. Battery backup exit signs switch to battery power and keep glowing for at least 90 minutes. You follow safety rules and help keep everyone safe.
Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
Enhanced Safety during Power Outages | Gives bright light so people can find exits if the power fails. |
Continuous Illumination for Better Visibility | Stays on longer in emergencies, so people can see better. |
Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient | Costs more at first, but saves money later because it uses less power. |
Pros:
These signs give light when the power goes out.
They meet all the safety rules for exit signs.
They help people stay calm and find the way out fast.
Cons:
You must test the batteries often.
You need to buy new batteries sometimes, which costs more.
Throwing away batteries can hurt the earth.
Tip: Pick the exit signs that fit your building best. You keep people safe and save money when you choose the right kind.
Choosing The Right Exit Sign
For High-Traffic Buildings
Exit signs need to be easy to see in busy places. In buildings with lots of people, everyone moves quickly if there is an emergency. LED exit signs are a smart pick for these spots. They shine very bright and you can see them in smoke or dark. This helps people find the exits fast. LED exit signs last a long time and do not need much work. You keep your building safe and follow all the safety rules. Put exit signs at every door and in hallways so people know where to go.
Tip: Put LED exit signs in places like schools, malls, and offices so everyone can see the way out.
For Power Outage-Prone Areas
You want exit signs that always work, even if the power fails. LED exit signs with battery backup are best for places where power goes out a lot. These signs switch to battery power right away if the lights go off. They give at least 90 minutes of light so people can leave safely. LED exit signs use less energy and last for many years. You can trust them to work when you need them most.
LED exit signs with battery backup turn on fast if the power fails.
These signs give bright light for at least 90 minutes in emergencies.
You get signs that work well and help you feel safe.
For Eco-Friendly Projects
If you care about the earth, you want green choices. Photoluminescent exit signs help you meet your eco-friendly goals. These signs charge up with normal light and glow during emergencies. You do not need wires or batteries for them. You save energy and make less waste. Photoluminescent exit signs can help your building get green awards.
LEED Section | Benefit Description |
|---|---|
Energy & Atmosphere (EA1) | Cuts down on electricity by using photoluminescent exit signs instead of electric ones. |
Material & Resources (MR2) | Makes less trash than regular electric exit signs. |
Innovation in Design (ID1) | Can help you get extra points for being good for the environment. |
Note: Photoluminescent exit signs last more than 25 years and help you reach your green building goals.
For Budget Installations
If you want to save money and keep people safe, photoluminescent exit signs are a great choice. These signs cost less to use because they do not need power and need almost no care. You do not pay for batteries or wires. Photoluminescent exit signs last a long time and help you follow safety rules. You get good emergency lighting and spend less money.
Pick photoluminescent exit signs if you want to save money, stay safe, and put them up easily.
You want exit signs that keep people safe and meet all rules. LED exit signs give you bright light and save energy. Photoluminescent signs help you go green and cut costs. Battery backup signs protect you during power loss. Check your building’s needs and local codes before you choose. For best results, talk to a safety expert.
Key Factor | Why It Matters for You |
|---|---|
Visibility | People see exits fast in emergencies. |
Energy Efficiency | You save money on power bills. |
Durability | Signs work when you need them most. |
FAQ
What is the best exit sign for saving energy?
You should choose photoluminescent exit signs. These signs use no electricity. You save money every month. You also help the environment. Photoluminescent signs last for years and need almost no care.
Do LED exit signs work during power outages?
Yes! LED exit signs with battery backup keep glowing when the power goes out. You get at least 90 minutes of bright light. You help everyone find the exit safely.
How often do I need to test battery backup exit signs?
You must test battery backup exit signs every month. Press the test button to check the battery. You also need a full 90-minute test once a year. This keeps your building safe and compliant.
Can I install photoluminescent exit signs anywhere?
No. You must place photoluminescent exit signs where they get enough light to charge. If the area stays dark, pick LED exit signs instead. Always check your local safety codes before you install.
Are exit signs required by law in every building?
Yes! Most buildings must have exit signs by law. You need them to meet fire and safety codes. Always check your local rules. You keep people safe and avoid fines.
See Also
Comparing LED Streetlights And Traditional Lighting Costs And Efficiency
Selecting The Ideal System For Your Lighting Sign Needs
Why LED Signs Are Superior To Other Outdoor Advertisements
Comparing LED Light Bulbs With Conventional Lighting Solutions
Selecting The Best LED Lighting For Display Cases: Key Factors
