Quick Picks

Interactive Exit Sign ROI Calculator

Model 10–20 year total cost of ownership for LED, Photoluminescent, and Tritium exit signs using your real rates and labor. Results drive an on-page recommendation and portfolio savings.

Exit Sign Types 101 (Facts)

LED (Electric, Battery‑Backed)

LED exit signs use light‑emitting diodes to provide continuous, internally illuminated “EXIT” lettering. They are hardwired (typically 120/277 VAC) and include a 90‑minute battery for outages. Modern units draw only a few watts and are the most common choice in powered buildings.

Photoluminescent (Non‑Electrical)

Photoluminescent signs charge from ambient light and glow in darkness—no wiring or batteries. To meet UL 924 and life‑safety codes, the sign face must receive sufficient light while occupied so it can remain visible for at least 90 minutes during a power loss.

Tritium (Self‑Luminous)

Tritium signs glow continuously via sealed gas tubes; they require no power or charging light. They have a rated life (10–20 years) and must be recycled at end‑of‑life as regulated devices.

Where Each Type Fits Best

• LED: Most interiors with available power; high visibility; theater/assembly spaces with dimmed house lights.
• Photoluminescent: Stairwells, corridors, schools, hospitals—areas lit during occupancy; historic retrofits with limited wiring.
• Tritium: Remote/dark sites, utility rooms, hazardous or explosive atmospheres, locations where wiring or constant light is impractical.

Regulations & Compliance Snapshot (U.S.)

• UL 924: Listing required for internally illuminated and self‑luminous signs; 90‑minute emergency performance.
• NFPA 101 / IBC: Visibility, placement, letter size; continuous illumination during occupancy.
• OSHA: Exit routes/signs must be readily visible and illuminated.
• Tritium: Generally licensed device; recycle only at end‑of‑life via licensed recipients.

Why the Right Choice Matters (Safety, Cost, ESG)

• Safety margin: Choose tech that remains visible in your actual lighting and power conditions.
• Lifecycle cost: Wiring, battery testing, energy, and end‑of‑life fees drive total cost—not just purchase price.
• ESG: Photoluminescent and tritium eliminate energy use; photolum avoids regulated waste.

How to Choose (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Power availability: If power is readily available, LED is a strong default. If not, consider photolum or tritium.
2. Ambient lighting: If the area is consistently lit during occupancy (≈5 fc at sign), photolum is viable. If not, avoid photolum.
3. Use pattern: Spaces intentionally dark during use (auditoriums) → LED; normally unlit rooms → tritium.
4. Environment: Hazardous/explosive atmospheres → tritium (or explosion‑proof LED).
5. Maintenance capacity: Limited staff → favor photolum (lit areas) or tritium (dark/no‑power).
6. Budget & ROI: Use the calculator to compare 10–20 year lifecycle costs across options.

Environmental & Sustainability Considerations

• LED: Very low energy; batteries require proper disposal; periodic testing adds labor.
• Photoluminescent: Zero energy and no hazardous components; relies on consistent ambient lighting.
• Tritium: Zero energy; regulated end‑of‑life recycling; excellent for sites without power or light.

Comparison Table (Cost, Lifespan, Maintenance)

Deployment & Program Setup

• Asset tracking: IDs, locations, type, install dates, service notes, (for tritium) expiration dates.
• Testing plan: LED monthly/annual tests; document results. Photolum: periodic glow checks; confirm lighting.
• Vendor management: Verify listings; maintain spec sheets and instructions; line up recycling partners if using tritium.
• Continuous improvement: Reassess mix (LED/PL/Tritium) as building use or staffing changes.

Myths vs. Facts

• “Photolum works anywhere.” — Only if the sign face is reliably illuminated during occupancy.
• “LED always costs less.” — Upfront, often yes; lifecycle costs depend on testing labor and energy.
• “Tritium is unsafe.” — Intact signs pose negligible external exposure; stewardship and recycling are the keys.
• “Green letters are illegal.” — Many jurisdictions allow red or green; check local preferences.

Industry‑Specific Guidance

Healthcare & Labs

Favor photolum for low maintenance in lit corridors; coordinate with RSO if selecting tritium; document testing/inspections.

Hospitality & Retail

LED for guest‑facing aesthetics (edge‑lit); photolum in back‑of‑house; ensure dimmed areas use internally lit signs.

Transit & Tunnels

Manage vibration and moisture; mix photolum (path marking) with LED or tritium where power/lighting is unreliable.

Schools & Universities

Photolum reduces maintenance workload; schedule upgrades during breaks; use LED in assembly spaces with dimming.

Remote/Industrial Sites

Truly dark/no‑power areas → tritium; hazardous atmospheres → tritium or explosion‑proof LED; document expiration cycles.

Further Reading

• Tritium Compliance Handbook
• Tritium Exit Signs — Illuminating Safety in Emergency Lighting

Checklists & Templates (Downloads)

Visuals & Explainers (Placeholders)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix technologies in one building?

Yes—many facilities use LED in most areas, photolum in stairwells, and tritium in hard‑to‑serve or dark spaces.

What letter color should I choose?

Follow local preferences (often red or green allowed). Green is very legible for photolum/tritium; LED supports both.

How do I estimate maintenance labor?

Include monthly/annual LED tests and battery swaps. Photolum requires minimal checks; tritium needs expiration tracking.

Do photolum signs really work after hours?

Yes, if they’re consistently charged during occupancy; they glow long enough for required egress duration.

Are tritium signs difficult to manage?

No day‑to‑day work; just plan recycling at end‑of‑life and keep simple inventory/expiration records.

Tools & Calls‑to‑Action