Expansion Technology Corporate

Posts Tagged ‘Fluorescent’

If you are buying exit signs for a building you will be constructing your choice is clear, LED EXIT SIGNS should be installed. Ask your architect or designer to use only LED exit signs in your building. What about the exit signs in an existing building you already occupy? LED exit signs are an ideal replacement but you need to determine what kind of exit sign your facility already has. The following descriptions should help you identify your facility’s exit signs:

• LED Exit Signs: These exit signs have a string of very small, typically red or green, glowing LEDs arranged in a circle or oval. The LEDs may also be arranged in a line on the side, top or bottom of the exit sign. LED exit signs provide the best balance of safety, low maintenance, and very low energy usage compared to other exit sign technologies. ENERGY STAR labeled LED exit signs will use less than 5 watts of power and last over 10 years.

• Incandescent Exit Signs: These exit signs contain one or two incandescent lamps, typically a clear glass bulb with a filament inside, with either a screw-in, bayonet, or push and twist style base. These are the most energy intensive exit signs and consume up to 40 watts of electricity. Signs illuminated with incandescent lamps typically require lamp replacement every 500 to 2,000 hours.

• Fluorescent/CFL Exit Signs: These exit signs typically contain one or two narrow U-shaped tubular lamps that appear frosted. They have a variety of bases but are typically screw-in (self ballasted) or plug in (remote ballasted). These exit signs are more efficient than incandescent exit signs, but still use up to 16 watts of electricity and have lamp life spans of 5,000 to 6,000 hours.

• Photoluminescent Exit Signs: These exit signs use no power and are typically pale green in color. If installed in an inappropriate location they can present problems to facility operators. Photoluminescent signs, though acceptable for a variety of installations, need to be exposed to light each day to charge. If placed in an area that does not receive adequate quantities of light, or is vacant for multiple days, these signs may not produce enough light to be discernable in an emergency.

• Tritium Exit Signs: These exit signs use a mildly radioactive form of hydrogen and require no electricity, but the amount of light they emit will dissipate over time. They are typically pale green in appearance. Disposal of these exit signs may be subject to local environmental ordinances. If you have one of these signs in your building please consult your state environmental office for advice.