What to Know Before Buying Photoluminescent Emergency Exit Signs
Photoluminescent technology has leapfrogged to becoming a top choice when it comes to choosing emergency exit signs. With no electricity and no battery required, these emergency exit signs are bringing a variety of benefits to building owners and the environment alike.
Building owners are enjoying the fact that photoluminescent exit signs save them money. From being easy to install, with no electrician required, to offering minimal maintenance with no monthly battery checks, these glow-in-the-dark emergency exit signs help improve the bottom line, especially for large buildings.
This technology is also touted as being the most eco-friendly emergency exit sign on the market. Unlike tritium counterparts, these exit signs do not bring toxic material into the environment and do not need to be regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory. The technology also brings up to 25+ years of life, without the need to use any electricity or batteries during that time. Once they do need to be replaced, disposable is easy- you just recycle them!
What is Photoluminescent Technology?
A long word that sounds complex, but it is really not. Photoluminescent products have phosphor in them. Phosphor has the ability to absorb light rays and store the energy for later use, illuminating it during darkness like a power outage. These glow in the dark exit signs use the phosphor to absorb, store, and emit the light when it's needed the most.
The beauty of this technology is the ability for the phosphor to emit light gradually. The stored light is gradually released and it creates a highly visible illumination. Using long persistence phosphor (LPP) allows photoluminescent exit signs to glow in the dark for well over 18 hours through a process known as phosphorescence.
Photoluminescent Emergency Exit Sign Regulations
Regulating authorities of fire safety including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the International Building Code and International Fire Code approve photoluminescent emergency exit signs and egress systems. Furthermore, they are working to pass legislation in numerous states to make the use of it mandatory.
Wondering what cities, states, and industries are already mandating photoluminescent emergency exit signs? Below is a partial list for reference:
● New York City has required photoluminescent exit signs in buildings over 72 feet high since 2004.
● California Building Code requires photoluminescent egress systems in exit corridors leading to emergency exit stairwells.
● The International Building Code and International Fire Code mandated the use of photoluminescent technology in all new and existing high-rises.
● The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requires photoluminescent products to be used for safety and rescue products in the maritime industry.
IBC, IFC, and NFPA 101 codes allow photoluminescent exit signs that are listed and labeled in accordance with UL924. UL924 is the Standard for Safety of Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment set forth by the organization Underwriters Laboratories. So with these codes backing UL924 this means that any photoluminescent exit sign in any building across the United States is required by code to be UL 924 certified.
What is Underwriters Laboratories?
Underwriters Laboratories, or UL as it is commonly known, is an international independent company that specializes in product safety certification. This organization is approved by OSHA to test and create safety standards for the United States. They test a wide array of products used for and in building to create safety standards as well as the testing of tools and heavy machinery.
The UL team consists of a variety of invested safety professionals. From fire people, construction, electrician, manufacturers, and even realtors working together to ensure the safe building of renovations of homes and workplaces. UL’s organization works with a variety of supplies and materials to determine if they are safe enough to be used in emergency situations.
Why Does Your Building Need Certified UL 924
UL 924 is Underwriters Laboratories policy specific to emergency lighting products. The Underwriters Laboratories undergoes extensive research to answer questions about the products placement, use, activity, and more. The UL team tests all emergency lighting products and provides a baseline for manufacturers when creating these types of products.
Exit signs carrying the UL 924 certification not only bring peace of mind, but are required by law in the United States. Below is a short list of UL 924 certification requirements:
● Signage visibility of a minimum of 50 feet, 75 feet, or 100 feet depending on building and location
● Illumination of exit signs need to be for at least 90 minutes after a power outage
● Letting of the word EXIT needs to be in a clear font of at least 6 inches in height
● Exit signs for low location need to pass an Impact Resistance Test
UL 924 takes not only OSHA’s safety standards into account, but the standards set forth by other regulating fire safety authorities. You will definitely want to make sure any emergency exit signs you purchase, including photoluminescent glow-in-the-dark exit signs, are UL 924 certified.
Shop Photoluminescent UL 924 Certified Emergency Exit Signs
Combining science and technology, photoluminescent emergency exit signs offer several great advantages to building owners. An excellent way to not only reduce your building’s carbon footprint, but with the help of Underwriters Laboratories and regulating authorities, certified UL 924 signs bring peace of mind and safety to building occupants.
As a leader in photoluminescent products, Jessup Manufacturing is proud to offer a large selection of high quality, UL 924 certified emergency exit signs. Shop online now.
