How Energy Efficient are LED Exit Signs?
Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by keith in Exit Sign Maintenance
When companies focus on making their buildings energy efficient, they typically begin by analyzing the efficiency of major building elements, such as building envelopes, HVAC systems and interior lighting systems; that is, they begin by focusing on making changes that will save the most of money in the shortest period of time. But once a company makes the big changes, there are usually smaller changes that can add even more energy efficiency, such as replacing incandescent exit signs with energy efficient signs, of which LED exit signs are a good example.
An incandescent sign consumes 40 Watts for a lifetime total of $350 of electricity. But an LED sign consumes a total of 5 watts for a lifetime total of $53, which is also significantly less than a compact fluorescent exit sign ($184). Also, LED signs cost less to maintain than incandescent and compact fluorescent signs, and they don’t contain hazardous technology, as do radioactive Tritium signs. In fact, were it not for photoluminescent exit signs, LED signs would be the optimal choice in terms of energy efficiency, eco friendliness and overall cost.
As discussions of energy efficient exit signs go, photoluminescent signs always emerge as the sign of choice. In addition to being maintenance and electricity-free, they are also non-toxic and 100 percent recyclable. Proponents of LED signs sometimes mention that photoluminescent signs won’t burn forever in total darkness, which is true; they burn for 96 hours. But considering that no low visibility evacuation on record has lasted close to 96 hours, the point becomes pointless. LED signs deserve to be considered energy efficient. But if you want the most efficient exit sign, photoluminescent signs are the obvious choice.
