What is the most Energy Efficient Illuminated Exit Sign on the Market?
Posted on 19. Jun, 2010 by keith in Fire Safety
If you speak with an energy efficient consultant about implementing an energy efficient lighting system in your office building or industrial facility, then you’ll probably be presented with the energy effectiveness of certain types of fluorescent and LED lighting. Compared to incandescent lighting, a fluorescent lighting system combined with LED lighting elements can significantly reduce a company’s annual energy costs. But when it comes to fire safety signs, having an electrical source actually “light” the sign is unnecessary. Unlike ceiling lighting, fire safety signs need only be visible at a certain distance, meaning that exit signs that “glow” without using electricity can be just as effective as signs that use light bulbs.
With is in mind, the two exit signs that offer the most energy efficiency are photoluminescent and Tritium safety signs. Unlike incandescent, LED and compressed fluorescent exits signs, Tritium and photoluminescent signs are electricity-free and require no maintenance, and replacing 100 incandescent signs with either type can save you roughly $3,700 in annual energy costs. But where photolumuninescent and Tritium signs differ is their overall environmental and workplace safety.
Radioactive hydrogen capsules that could rupture under pressure and require a special disposal process that costs around $100 powers Tritium signs. But Photoluminescent signs are non-toxic and 100 percent recyclable. Proponents of Tritium signs often say that their hydrogen capsules don’t pose a danger to humans. But if the capsules break, a company is required to report the incident immediately to local authorities. In the eyes of the law, the breakage of Tritium capsules is serious environmental and health threat. Therefore, while a Tritium sign is as energy efficient as a photoluminescent illuminated exit sign, it receives lower rating when it comes to workplace and environmental safety, making photoluminescent signs the optimal energy efficient illuminated exit sign.
