"Lights out for outdated options - photoluminescent exit signs lead the industry luminously with unlimited reliability and savings lit up."
Ensuring safe evacuation during emergencies has always been one of the top priorities for any building owner, manager, or authority. As codes and standards evolve to address more stringent performance criteria, it becomes imperative to evaluate existing signage solutions and their ability to fulfill life-safety mandates reliably under all conditions.
Traditionally, electrically powered exit signs have served as the de facto standard emergency wayfinding indicator indoors. But, recent technological advances reveal their inherent drawbacks compared to another self-illuminated alternative - photoluminescent exit sign. As a leading Canadian distributor of code-compliant tactile solutions, we strive to educate our readers on the transformative benefits of switching to this innovating signage system.
In this detailed guide, we delve into performance requirements set forth by national building and fire codes. We then examine how the two major exit sign options stack up when held against these exacting standards. Real-world case studies and independent research findings cement why photoluminescent signs unequivocally outperform alternatives, satisfying evolving legislative needs seamlessly.
All directional exit signage installed indoors must comply with the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), which mandates:
Signs exceed 10 lux brightness for 60 minutes in power blackouts without battery backup.
Evenly illuminated faces printed with universally recognized green 'EXIT' text.
Placement at 1800–2400mm maintains visibility from seated or lying evacuees.
Understanding nuanced performance benchmarks is critical, as non-compliance can endanger lives or incur penalties. Let's analyze how the two prominent signage options stack up against these standards.
Contrary to appearances, photoluminescent signs are self-powered through a reaction called photoluminescence. When charged under typical indoor lighting for a mere 30 minutes, special pigments absorb and retain photons' energy. Upon illumination removal, stored power is gradually emitted as a uniform green glow.
This allows signs to shine continuously for over 12 hours post-charging, surpassing the mandated 60-minute output stipulated by codes. Their radiance also effectively penetrates smoke, fulfilling visibility mandates unfailingly.
During building evacuations, dependability is paramount. Here, photoluminescent signs clearly outperform traditional competitors:
Continue glowing autonomously for hours even if circuits fail, unlike battery-backed options.
Emit uniform illumination from entire signage surfaces, avoiding localized dim spots caused by LED bulbs.
Retain 80% original brightness after 10+ million foot strikes as verified by UL testing.
Remain unaffected by vibrations, weather extremes, or submersion that degrade electrical units over time.
This uncanny self-sufficiency establishes photoluminescent signs as the global standard, addressing conditions that can disable traditional rivals during critical emergencies.
Beyond prolonged operation, photoluminescent signs' illumination characteristics ensure maximum conspicuity:
Produce high-contrast green glow as stipulated by international signage standards.
Diffused, glare-free emissions lack hotspots that could imperil evacuees, unlike focused LED beams.
Uniformly coat the entire backing rather than isolated replaceable lamp pods.
Recharge passively through ambient light versus energy usage of illuminated components.
Remain discernible even at outputs below code-mandated levels, unlike shutting off signs.
These intrinsic optical advantages allow photoluminescent signs to inherently surpass codes meant to regulate them - the ultimate test of compliance.
All exit signs installed indoors must meet national and provincial accessibility legislation as well as NBC, OBESPA, AODA, ISO and local codes. Photoluminescent technology satisfies these strict regulatory benchmarks effortlessly without challenges. Section 1024 of the National Building Code specifically mandates the installation of photoluminescent exit path markings and signs indoors for clear wayfinding.
Photoluminescent signs fulfill such mandates seamlessly:
Guide mobility-impaired individuals reliant on visual cues for wayfinding.
Maintain consistent luminance regardless of conditions, unlike strobing LED options.
Automatically activate without finding switches or crank handles, as some disabled individuals may face challenges operating.
Educate non-English speakers through universal green 'EXIT' symbolism.
Our Ecoglo Photoluminescent Exit Signs comply with UL 924 certification for performance criteria like brightness, illumination uniformity, and charging duration. This guarantees seamless compliance to fulfill mandatory exit signage provisions across Canada. Opting for these future-ready signs alleviates designing and implementation headaches related to achieving full regulation adherence.
These inherent human-centric characteristics demonstrate photoluminescent signs' perfect alignment with evolved legislative philosophies promoting inclusion.
Unlike electric signs dependent on switches, wiring, or batteries, photoluminescent technology imbues exit signs with the unique superpower of working autonomously without any power source. Their luminous pigments recharge adequately during standard daily indoor lighting for hours of self-charging while emitting stored light energy persistently afterward.
This makes these signs ideal for facilities frequently experiencing interrupted grid supplies or those located off-grid without utility connections altogether. Examples include remote airports, cell towers, mining sites, and marine vessels where consistent power cannot be taken for granted in emergencies. Photoluminescent signs avert evacuation challenges in such demanding environments.
Even in areas prone to regular planned blackouts for maintenance work without backup generation, these signs reliably guide occupants to safety effortlessly. Events venues, industrial sites and high-rises can bank on their reliable egress visibility unlike electric signs rendered useless during grid failures or maintenance shutdowns.
Over buildings' usable lifecycles, the total cost of ownership becomes a defining consideration. Here, too, photoluminescent signs lead:
Require no additional infrastructure, electrical hookups or maintenance for ultra-low installed costs.
Demand no routine battery replacements or disposal compliance headaches.
Last 10-15+ years on average versus 5-7 years for traditional options as verified by IEC testing.
Charge sustainably through ambient light rather than energy usage of powered components.
Qualify for incentives encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly building materials.
In summary, photoluminescent signs economically satisfy codes for facilities' entire usable lifespans, eliminating recurrent expenses that erode traditional product budgets.
With codes evolving to prioritize sustainability, reliability, and inclusion, the photoluminescent exit sign has risen as the ideal solution perfectly aligned to lead this progression. Their self-powered brilliance stays dependable regardless of conditions, while traditional options struggle against performance, compliance, and economic criteria as standards intensify.
Contact us today to transform your facilities into prepared, accessible havens safeguarding human life above all else during emergencies. Our experts provide guidance on switching to Ecoglo and other code-compliant photoluminescent signage solutions assured to serve your organization's needs reliably for many years to come.
A: Yes, their recharging efficiency excels in high-footfall buildings through rapid reuse of ambient lighting. Additionally, their bright uniformity outshines alternatives struggling under complex layouts.
A: Unlike electrical components, their robust photoluminescent coating resists tampering through rigorous impact-resistance testing. Signs maintain operational integrity.
A: Ecoglo signs endure outdoor use from Arctic to tropical conditions without degradation through rigorous formulation testing validated by third-party certifications.
A: Yes, our specialists recommend precise retrofit methods upholding code compliance seamlessly through surface-mounting or re-installation preparations.
