International Exit Signs

Every industrialized county in the world has their own requirements for Exit Signs used in public, commercial and industrial facilities. While most of these countries use the IEC (International Electric Code) for the basis of their regulations, there are a number of specific requirements that might be needed to satisfy each country’s interpretations for additions to the IEC regulations.

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With today’s global economy and more and more countries having offshore facilities, it is important to be flexible with your facility and workspace requirements. This can include providing customized equipment and facilities to meet local requirements. International Exits Signs are one way of meeting these needs.

International exit signs are manufactured to operate on different voltage and hertz configurations.

Voltage Requirements:

Many countries throughout the world have different electrical systems. While all of them are AC (alternating current) systems, not all of them are 120 VAC, 60 Hz systems. The nominal voltage in different countries can fluctuate anywhere around 110 VAC (110 VAC to 127 VAC) or 230 VAC (220 to 240 VAC); while the frequency can be either 50 or 60 Hz (cycles per second).

Since these are lighting products, the frequency doesn’t have as great an impact as the voltage. Small deviations in electrical power, such as the difference between 220 VAC and 240 VAC, really won’t make a significant difference, only affecting the brightness of the bulbs by 5% to 10%. On the other hand, connecting an Exit Sign designed for 120 VAC to 220 VAC will cause it to fail rather spectacularly; probably with some assorted pyrotechnics for everyone’s enjoyment. The reverse wont’ cause this problem, but the lights won’t work.

Changing the voltage of a lighted Exit Sign for international use mostly consists of changing the transformer, allowing the unit to step the line voltage down to the correct voltage for the unit’s battery and bulbs.

Additionally, there can be a serious problem with electrical supply reliability in most third-world and developing countries. Power losses or fluctuations in voltage are common, sometimes occurring as a daily event. Since International Exit Signs have to meet the same requirement of being illuminated whenever the facility is occupied, larger battery capacities are required, providing for longer illumination time.

Language Requirements:

Having Exit Signs written in English in most international applications is a waste of time. Obviously, the people need these signs to be provided in their own language. French (“SORTIE”) and Spanish (“SALIDA”) Exit Signs are readily available. Additionally, we can custom create signs in whatever language you may need.

Symbol Requirements:

The ISO (International Standards Organization) has developed a graphic, called the “running man” for use on exit signs throughout the world. European countries now require this symbol on all exit signs. Canada will require it starting in 2012. Many other countries are adopting the “rung man” symbol, either alone or in combination with lettering and even arrows.

Regardless of the exact International Exit Sign configuration you need. EmergencyLighting.net can provide customized exit signs which will meet the requirements of whatever country you need. Our facilities are ready to provide any changes of voltage, lettering and graphics needed to meet the requirements the county has.

By Jonathan Carter+