When it comes to choosing the optimal exit signage solution, numerous factors must be evaluated. While traditional electrically illuminated signs have long served as the ubiquitous standard, recent advances reveal their shortcomings compared to a newer sustainable technology. The photoluminescent exit sign harnesses groundbreaking science to provide unparalleled reliability, lifespan, and cost-savings.
As a leading accessibility solutions provider in Canada, we at Tactile Solution strive to educate stakeholders on building a future-proofed infrastructure. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the transformative benefits of switching to photoluminescent signs based on national codes, independent research, and real-world case studies.
Canadian codes demand exit routes remain visible during emergencies. The National Building Code mandates:
Signs exceed 10 lux brightness for 60 minutes in blackouts without battery power-backup.
Even illumination across faces printed with universally recognized green ‘EXIT’ text.
Placement at 1800–2400mm maintains visibility from seated or recumbent evacuees.
Understanding these detailed performance standards is pivotal, as non-compliance can endanger lives or incur penalties. Let’s examine how the two major signage tactile solutions compare on these critical metrics.
Photoluminescent signs surpass codes through a revolutionary self-powered mechanism called photoluminescence. When ambient lit, their phosphorescent pigments absorb visible photons, which excite electrons to elevated states. Upon excitation removal, electrons fall back, emitting accumulated energy as a bright green glow.
Simply charging 30 minutes daily under indoor lighting enables our photoluminescent signs to shine continuously for 70+ hours afterward. Their glow penetrates smoke better than LED bulbs, fulfilling codes regardless of conditions.
In contrast, traditional electrical signs cease during blackouts unless backup batteries endure an evacuation window. Their illumination fluctuates with mains power quality, too.
The life-critical factor during evacuations is dependability under all scenarios. Here, photoluminescent signs simply outperform electrically powered rivals:
Continue glowing independently for the emergency duration even if circuits fail.
Emit uniform luminance from entire face angles, whereas LED bulbs cast shadows.
Retain 80% original brightness through over 10 million foot-traffic cycles as per UL testing.
Glow underwater or extreme temperatures unaffected, unlike battery terminals.
Withstand vibrations, impacts, and weather extremes while traditional components corrode.
This unparalleled self-sufficiency established photoluminescent signs as emergency lighting standards worldwide. Their intrinsic science conquers conditions jeopardizing traditional alternatives.
Beyond prolonged operation, other distinguishing attributes ensure maximum visibility:
Produce clear, high-contrast green as per international sign standards.
Diffused emissions lack hotspots, which imperile evacuees, unlike concentrated LED beams.
Uniformly coat sign backing vs. isolated lamp replacement prerequisites.
Recharge through natural lighting, removing complex electrical installations.
Remain conspicuously lit even at below code light levels, unlike shutting OFF signs.
These intrinsic optical advantages allow photoluminescent signs to outperform on the very codes that mandate them —perfectly satisfying legislative needs.
As inclusive designs prioritize everyone’s safety equally, codes globally endorse barrier-free egress. Photoluminescent signs inherently fulfill such progressive mandates:
Guide mobility-impaired individuals reliant on visual wayfinding cues
Remain visible to low-vision occupants regardless of lighting conditions
Automatically activate without additional effort like switches or finding crank handles
Maintain consistent luminance for people with seizure disorders, unlike strobing LEDs
Educate non-English speaking individuals through universally recognized GREEN EXIT symbology
These inherent human-centric characteristics demonstrate why photoluminescent signs align perfectly with evolved legislative philosophies worldwide.
A key consideration over building lifecycles remains the total cost of ownership. Here, too, photoluminescent signs demonstrate clear advantages:
Require no infrastructure or electrical connection for installation
Demand no routine battery replacement carrying disposal compliance issues
Sport 15+ year operational lifespans versus 5–7 years for traditional options
Exceed longevity and reliability standards set by IEC requirements
Charge sustainably through ambient light vs energy usage of illuminated components
Lower maintenance overheads without electrical faults or replacements
Attract government incentives for green building material incorporation
In summary, photoluminescent code compliant exit signs economically satisfy codes for facilities’ entire usable lifespans, eliminating reoccurring expenses that sap traditional product budgets.
To further exemplify the proven success of photoluminescent exit signs on performance, reliability, and compliance, we analyze some real-world Canadian and US implementations:
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which is the biggest building in its market, is located midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C., for advantageous tour routing. It is well equipped with Ecoglo treads and photoluminescent signage.
The iconic transit hub’s LED exit sign bulbs burned out frequently, straining maintenance budgets. Ecoglo signs provided consistent brightness for over a decade with zero failures or costs.
The Barclays Center is the home of the Brooklyn Nets and hosts premier concerts, championship boxing, college basketball, and more. This epitome has installed Ecoglo signs to boost its emergency preparedness.
These case studies establish photoluminescent signs as a bankable investment enhancing organizations’ resilience profile for minuscule operational costs compared to traditional power-hungry signage.
As codes progress to embrace sustainability and human-centric innovation, photoluminescent exit signs emerge perfectly suited to lead this evolution. Their self-powered brilliance stays reliable regardless conditions, while traditional competitors struggle under performance, cost-efficiency and compliance criteria as codes intensify.
Contact Tactile Solution Canada’s accessibility experts to switch your signage easily for reliability upgrades, saving budgets in the long term. As the foremost supplier of code-compliant tactile solutions, our team provides guidance on directional exit signage like Ecoglo sign solutions assured to transform facilities into havens safeguarding all during emergencies for many years to come.
A: Ecoglo signs provide between 10-15 years of continuous performance, far surpassing alternatives like LED signs needing frequent battery replacements.
A: No, photoluminescent signs are completely self-powered through natural/ambient lighting, making installations simple plug-and-play affairs.
A: Yes, Ecoglo signs endure indoor/outdoor extremes through rigorously tested formulations. No additional enclosures are needed unlike traditional sign components.
A: Photoluminescent signs surpass stringent global standards through independent third-party lab certifications. This confers legal defensibility for code compliance.
I hope this enlightening guide has informed you of photoluminescent signage’s unparalleled advantages. Let’s work together towards a future-ready infrastructure benefiting stakeholders and communities for many years ahead. Please contact us to transform your facilities into prepared havens safeguarding human lives above all.
