The Basics of Photoluminescent Emergency Exit Signs
Whether you are in the process of a new-build or renovation your current location, you are likely in the depths of educating yourself on the latest, greatest, and possibly even most sustainable building materials. One product that might catch your eye is in the category of fire safety signage, photoluminescent emergency exit signs.
Photoluminescent technology is nothing new, but a lot of people are still learning about it stateside. It has already been approved and used in Europe for decades, and for years has actually been approved within the United States for fire safety signage. Photoluminescent emergency exit signs and egress markers are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons which we will get into below, and the technology itself is really very simple. Keep reading to learn more.
The Science Behind Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Gone are the days where you need to invest heavily in electrical installation and spend thousands on high electricity and maintenance bills for your fire safety signage. Photoluminescent exit signs use photoluminescent material to naturally absorb ambient light and store it to later emit.
Photoluminescent material is phosphor in its purest form. Upon removal of light, the stored light taken in by the phosphor is then gradually released which produces the glow in the exit signs. These exit signs don’t just glow for a few minutes or even hours. Exit signs with long-persistence phosphor (LPP) can actually provide illuminate for well over 18 hours which is excellent for long periods of power outages.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs Safety Certifications
Many of you are probably asking at this point if this technology is approved by regulating authorities in the states and the answer is a resounding YES. Not only do regulating authorities like OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approve of the technology for use in emergency exit signs and egress systems, but they are both working to pass legislation in numerous states to make the use of it mandatory.
Additionally, if you are a builder points towards your Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification are given. This is because photolumsicnent technology is eco-friendly and aligns directly with the framework of the organization as a highly efficiency, healthy, and cost-effective option for buildings.
Lower Total Building Costs
EnergyStar reports if a building replaces 100 incandescent exit signs with photoluminescent exit signs it adds up to an estimated $2,739 a year in energy costs alone. Not only that, air pollution is reduced by almost a half a million pounds of CO2 over the life of the product (based on replacement of 100 incandescent signs). If that weren’t enough, the typical testing for just 100 electric exit signs can run between $2,500-5,000 per year. Add that savings on top of everything else and your building (and pocketbook) will thank you.
Consider the following facts about photoluminescent exit signs when looking at building costs:
● Compared to electric exit signs, photoluminescent options are simple to install with no electrical costs/labor required.
● Egress systems using photoluminescent technology are the most energy-efficienct option according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
● Without electricity, maintenance costs are lower. No bulbs to replace, no batteries to check, and once installed they are easily maintained for 25+ years by simply keeping them free of dust and verifying the charging lights are operational.
List of US Building Codes Requiring Photoluminescent Markings
● 2009 and 2012 International Building Code, 403.16 & 1024, a requirement that all non-residential buildings Groups A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 for new construction over 75 feet in height must install Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings in all enclosed emergency exit stairwells.
● 2009 and 2012 International Fire Code. Section 4604, requirement that all non-residential buildings Groups A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 for existing construction over 75 feet in height must install Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings in all enclosed emergency exit stairwells.
● NFPA 101 and 5000 Section 7.2.2.5.5. Exit Stair Path Markings All Buildings. Effective January 2009.
● State of California Building Code, Chapter 10, Means of Egress requires in Group A, E, I, R-1, R-2 and R-3 Occupancies, in Exit corridors leading to Emergency Exit stairwells. Effective January 2008.
● State of Connecticut requires in Group A, B, E, I-1, I-2, R-1 and R-2 occupancies, in Exit corridors leading to Emergency Exit stairwells. Effective January 2008.
● New York City Building Code Reference Standard RS 6-1 requires in all enclosed Emergency Exit stairwells. Effective July 2008 for all non-residential structures.
● General Services Administration requires Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings in all new and existing buildings. Effective January 2009.
Shop Photoluminescent Emergency Exit Signs and Egress Markings
With so many products on the market it can be confusing to decide which technology is the best fit long term for your building. Photouminscent technology offers a great alternative to electric exit signs as the leading eco-friendly and cost-effective option. Contact your local fire marshal to learn more about your city or states requirements and shop a wide variety of photoluminscent fire safety signage at Jessup Manufacturing.
