Swap failing or hard-to-wire exit signs in hours—not days. This guide shows when self-luminous (tritium) signs are the fastest, safest retrofit and how to do it right.
Last updated: October 2025
Why choose self-luminous for retrofits
- No wiring required: mount, level, anchor—done. No branch circuit, no conduit, no test-switch leads.
- Zero energy + charger maintenance: nothing to wire or test monthly.
- Minimal disruption: keeps walls, ceilings, and finishes intact—great for occupied spaces and historic areas.
- Always-on visibility: glows during outages without relying on building power or charging light.
Shopping parts now? Start with self-luminous exit signs that match your letter color and viewing-distance needs.
When a no-wiring retrofit is the right call
- Hard-to-wire locations: block walls, tunnels, remote structures, finished ceilings.
- Fast turnarounds: inspection deadlines, tenant move-ins, shutdown windows.
- Power constraints: panels are full, long runs with voltage drop, or no practical way to pull new conductors.
Need background on how these signs work? See the Tritium Exit Signs – Complete Guide.
Field steps: swap a wired sign for self-luminous
- Verify scope: note current sign type/location, required letter color, and viewing distance.
- De-energize & remove old unit: lockout/tagout if applicable; cap and secure conductors inside the box.
- Backplate & anchors: mark, level, and anchor the new plate; use appropriate hardware for the substrate.
- Mount the self-luminous sign: set arrow chevrons if needed; confirm legend is square and visible along egress.
- Label & inventory: record model/serial/location; ensure factory/safety labels remain readable.
- Close out: patch any cosmetic holes; document photo proof for the inspection packet.
How much time can you save?
Typical one-for-one swaps take minutes instead of hours because you skip circuit pulls, conduit routing, and battery/test-switch wiring. On multi-unit projects, the labor delta compounds—especially when ceilings/walls would otherwise be opened.
For budget planning and lifecycle math across technologies, see our Exit Sign ROI comparison.
Compliance & owner duties (quick)
- UL 924: choose listed models and install per the instructions.
- Owner checklist: keep labels intact, maintain an inventory, and report lost/stolen/broken units.
Download the printable checklist in the Tritium Compliance Handbook.
Handling the old sign (disposal)
Replacing a tritium unit? Do not landfill or scrap it. Return it to a licensed facility and save the chain-of-custody paperwork. Follow the 4-step process in Tritium Exit Sign Disposal (step-by-step).
Quick FAQ
Can I retrofit every location with self-luminous?
Use them where wiring is impractical or disruptive. In well-lit interiors, photoluminescent may work; standard interiors often favor LED for cost and options.
Do self-luminous signs need testing?
No electrical tests. Include them in life-safety rounds—verify visibility and label condition, and keep inventory current.
What permits are required?
Because there’s no electrical work, many projects proceed under basic facilities work orders—confirm with your AHJ.