Photoluminescence: Discover How Self Luminous Exit Signs Work

Building owners have two basic choices for installing self luminous exit signs throughout a structure: Tritium and Photoluminescent. A self luminous identifier uses either a reaction of Tritium gas with a phosphor coated tube or phosphorescence to emit light. Phosphorescence involves the absorption, storage, and remittance of energy photons to generate illumination. Identifiers with radioactive materials have been typically installed for years as a zero-energy solution; however, they do not provide the dependability or additional safety offered by alternative types of self luminous exit signs. Photoluminescent products eliminate the use of toxic materials to generate the glowing effect necessary to lead individuals out of a structure as an emergency takes place. Tritium based signing requires additional safety precautions during installation, maintenance, and disposal to avoid possible release of the included gas into the atmosphere. This increases the cost of ownership thus decreasing the financial benefit of such a choice. Photoluminescent signs remove all concerns regarding environmental harm since they do not contain any toxic materials. Photoluminescence Supplies a Safer Energy-Free Option Self luminous exit signs undergo an energy transition that generates illumination in the form of a red or green glow. Tritium products involve placing the gas in a tube housing coated with phosphor, which reacts with each other as beta decay occurs. While completely safe within the tube, the concern arises in instances where a tube breakage is not properly handled or the signs are disposed of incorrectly. Release into the atmosphere can result in environmental or human harm. Photoluminescent identifiers provide a safe alternative to building owners desiring energy usage reductions. A pigment capable of absorbing and emitting light photons is included in a film placed over the metal substrate. Energy from surrounding light sources is consistently absorbed and stored until conditions become dark or smoky. It is then emitted as low level energy for a number of hours to aid occupants in finding exit points. A power source is not required for the visual aids to be available and the signs do not contain toxic materials. These factors make photoluminescence the perfect choice for implementing self luminous exit signs as an effective egress component. Installation, Maintenance, and Disposal Benefits Photoluminescent products are extremely easy to install since screws are the only necessity for completing the process. They do not require wiring, backup power sources, or bulb replacement as with traditional electrical signing options. Installation takes only a couple of minutes and maintenance is limited to an occasional wiping. The identifiers last for approximately twenty-five years with minimal to no maintenance. Once they have reached the end of their lifecycle, they can be recycled rather than added to a landfill. Owners do not have to be concerned with toxic materials, following specific handling instructions, or extensive disposal costs as when choosing Tritium alternatives. These self luminous exit signs are one of the most cost effective, reliable egress compliance options available today. Photoluminescence reduces maintenance and disposal costs while supplying an effective aid in the worst emergency conditions. Owners seeking to reduce overhead without decreasing safety or dependability of visual aids gain many perks by choosing photoluminescent signing.