How to choose Exit Signage?

Although there are no specific codes that favor one style of emergency exit sign over another, installation and design criteria may.

Exit sign
Exit sign

LED Exit signs that use tritium or photoluminescence are listed and tested the same way as electric exit signs. In some ways, all illuminated exit signs are the same. However, a detailed examination of less visible criteria can assist installers, and building owners make informed decisions that cut overall costs, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure that signs comply with local legislation.


If you're looking to buy or already own an exit sign, chances are it's one of three types:


  1. Electric: These signs are connected to a building's electrical supply and illuminated with backup power in the case of a power outage. In addition, they might have emergency lights on the top or sides to help with the evacuation.


  1. Photoluminescent: Light-absorbing materials collect light particles and emit them as a greenish slow. These signs have non-illuminated parts that contrast with the luminous material to form the letters, arrows, and symbols required by life safety codes. When the building is occupied, most rules require that they be charged with a good electric light source to be completely illuminated.


  1. Radioluminescence: Tritium is a radioactive gas that produces a red or green glow when interacting with light-emitting substances. These signage do not require energy or UV rays; however, they have higher upfront and disposal costs.


Are there any forms of emergency escape indicators required by life safety codes?


Electric exit signs are not required by NFPA 101 or the IBC. Similarly, neither the codes require the photoluminescent nor the tritium exit signs. However, related sign kinds, such as the door- and wall-mounted egress signs that fill in the gaps between, may require illumination without the use of power. Installers have the freedom to select the most cost-effective, convenient, and safe option. However, all new internally lighted exit signs must be listed under UL 924, including most electric, radio luminescent, and photoluminescent varieties. The UL sign is used to identify these models, as illustrated below.


Some local rules mandating colorful letters may prohibit the use of photoluminescent exit signs.


The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) do not mandate a specific hue for exit signs as long as the color choice does not obstruct visibility. The IBC doesn't either. Most signs already have the two most frequent colors, red and green.


However, certain places demand that you wear red or green. For example, the text and arrows on emergency exit signs must be red and placed against "a white translucent field," according to the municipal code of Chicago, Illinois. 


Exit Sign

When it comes to photoluminescent signage, it's very crucial to pay attention to these specifications because:

  • Even if the sign contains red or green components, the light-absorbing parts tend to shine in white or green hues.


  • The sign could be a positive-image type (where the letters and symbols illuminate) or a negative-image type (where the background glows).


Local codes may not allow contractors to choose sign colors, but model codes may. 


Before making a purchase, check with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)—usually, but not always, the fire marshal.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Cut, Fix and Connect LED strip Lights?

Image
  LED strip lights are versatile and durable lighting. You can easily cut, fix and connect it with the power supply to turn it on. This is an easy process, but you need to be careful as a small mistake can destroy the strip light. Many people also use this as an outdoor LED strip light to improve your brand's visibility. You can also get this in white or RGB LED strip for a better look. This blog will explain everything about Cutting, Fixing, and Connecting the LED light strips. Part 1. How to Cut LED Strip Lights Before buying the strip light: Ensure that the strip can be cut; otherwise, it may be unusable after a cut. Never forget to disconnect the power source before cutting the strip light, as cutting it with the power supply is very dangerous. Follow the below procedure to cut the light strip properly without damaging it.  Step 1. Measure the length If you have bought a too-long LED strip light, you need to cut it off to convert it to...
Read more

Porcelain Tile is generally harder and more durable than ceramic tile..?

Image
Is there a difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile? The question of porcelain vs. ceramic tile may be a war between two vastly different types of materials, or it may simply be a war of words. For consumers, the terms porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably as if they were the same thing. And this is understandable since ceramic and porcelain tiles are used for the same applications, installed in the same way, and have largely similar merits and drawbacks as flooring or wall surface material choices. At the same time, tile shop salespeople often claim there's a world-of-a-difference between these two — probably to justify their higher prices — but we don't think so! Both do an excellent job with most installations; both can resist moisture damage. If you're in the market for a new tile and want to know the difference   between porcelain and ceramic, we've got just what you need. We'll break down how each of these tiles is made, their pros and...
Read more

How to choose the best Outdoor LED Lighting?

Image
  The perfect outdoor lighting is enough to define the look and feel of your home’s exterior at night. You should highlight those features of your exterior at night that looks appealing under the beautiful lighting. Using apt outdoor LED lighting fixtures to add adornment with safety in your place will provide the best experience. Doing so will allow your home to look eye-catching and maintain security at night. Many types of outdoor lighting are available in the market to make your living easy and comfortable. It is unnecessary to use all the trending lighting fixtures in outdoor places as you must choose the best outdoor LED lighting that fulfills your lighting need at a low utility cost. In this blog, you will get a review of different types of outdoor LED lighting fixtures. These reviews will help you find adequate LED lighting fixtures to illuminate your outdoor places. LED Wall Packs From a range of outdoor LED lighting fixtures, LED wall packs are very popular for mou...
Read more

Useful Tips For Buying LED Tube Lights

Image
Since the inception of LED lights , the lighting industry has changed a lot. But, the change has shown a new and advanced side to the whole world. If we take an example, LED tube lights are commonly used in commercial and residential spaces due to their efficiency and versatility. Also, it is hard for fluorescent or halogen lights to compete with tube lights in almost every aspect, whether lighting up the space or consistent exposure or any other. Therefore, there are many good reasons to choose or upgrade your lighting fixture to an LED tube light. The only thing you need to do is pay attention to some important things while buying. LED Tube Lights Advantages Before knowing the factors you need to focus on while buying, you should know why LED tube lights are ideal for your lighting needs. The lights are known as advanced lighting fixtures because they can efficiently benefit you in different ways. Some common advantages are provided below to confirm that LED lights are far better t...
Read more