A majority of buildings today use incandescent or fluorescent exit sign lighting. Incandescent signs consume a whopping 40 watts and Fluorescent lights a sizeable 16 watts. This is more than some common household appliances such as refrigerators, printers, laptops, and mid-sized TVs.
As you can see, these exit sign lights are energy demanding and this, in turn, is costly in the long run. That is not to mention the frequent maintenance costs needed for these exit sign lights.
However, there are newer LED exit signs which offer a more energy-efficient alternative, using a modest average of 5 watts.
Continue reading to learn more about not an exit sign alone, but about exit sign lighting and the importance of this equipment.
What Are Exit Signs?
Exit Signs are a part of life safety equipment. They are illuminated signs, installed either on the wall or ceilings of a facility near exits. They indicate where you should exit the building in the event of an emergency.
The lighting aspect of the sign is pivotal because the sign needs to be clearly visible and easy to locate. Typically an exit sign connects to the electrical grid of the building so it has 24/7 power. However, these signs also have a battery backup which allows them to stay on even in the event of a power outage.
Where Should Exit Signs Be Located?
Exit signs need to be located near any door, elevator, staircase, or pathway that leads to one of the building’s exits.
Fluorescent and Incandescent Exit Signs
Until LED lights came onto the scene, fluorescent and incandescent signs were the standard, however, they have now become outdated. These signs require bulb change out more frequently. Incandescent every 500 to 2,000 hours and fluorescent every 5,000 to 6,000 hours.
Bulbs in LED signs can last over 10 years.
The larger energy consumption of these lighting options means they cost more to operate annually too.
Why LED Exit Signs?
As stated previously, an LED exit sign is far more energey-efficient than older incandescent and fluorescent signs. This is because LED lights do not contain complex parts that burn out, meaning longer lifespans. They also use less wattage because they use modern, simplistic technology through the use of an electrical circuit.
The longer life span on LED exit signs means less maintenance and therefore less cost. Most exit signs have a battery backup installed. Since LED signs are more efficient, you won’t be needing to change out the batteries in them as often either.
Due to the numerous benefits offered by LED signs, it tends to be the popular choice for installation in new buildings as well as for replacing old signs in existing buildings.
If you’re still on the fence, check out other examples of the benefits of using LED lights.
Variation Among Exit Signs & Lighting
Although they may look similar, not all exit signs are the same.
Different signs are mountable in different ways. Some hang from the ceiling, others jut out from the wall, and some can lay flat against a wall or surface.
Different regions have specific requirements for exit signs, one of the big requirements is the color of the lettering on the sign. The two main colors are red and green. it’s important to ensure that you have the correct coloring for your signs.
Depending on how you mount the sign, it may need to be double or single-sided.
Some signs can have arrows added to them. Depending on the layout of the facility you may need to have arrows that point towards stairs or the direction people need to go.
Emergency Lights
Whereas exit signs direct people to an exit, an emergency light serves a different purpose. Emergency lights are in many ways self-explanatory. They are lighting fixtures, used to provide illumination for visibility when a power outage in a building occurs.
Emergency lights are usually connected to a building’s electrical grid. The grid powers a battery inside the light, keeping it charged at all times. Once a serious power issue occurs in the building, the emergency lights activate.
Most types of facilities require emergency lighting and there are various lights out there, each serving a different purpose.
Like exit signs, emergency lights can be mounted on surfaces in different ways. There are lights constructed out of various materials to suit multiple environments. Some can handle unusually warm or cold climate facilities, while others are designed to be weather and water-proof for outdoor use.
The way the light projects is also a factor. Depending on the layout you may need a light that projects a very specific beam through a narrow, enclosed hallway, or one that covers a broad, open room.
To find the right lighting, see what’s available, and make an informed decision about what suits your needs.
Combo Lights
Sometimes, a facility requires an exit sign and emergency lights to be installed in the same location. The solution to this: a combo light.
Combo lights are a lighting device that combines an exit sign and emergency lights together in one single unit. It connects to the power grid like any other exit or emergency light and covers both needs. It is a way to take care of both requirements with just a single installation.
LITELUME Offers Exit Signs, Emergency Lights, Combo Fixtures, and More!
Exit signs, emergency lights, and combo lights are all incredibly important pieces of equipment that ensure people’s safety. At this point you should be more familiar with the aspects of not an exit sign alone, but with the many safety considerations that must be taken into account for exit and emergency lighting.
To find out more, click here and explore more exit sign lighting options.
