Table of Contents
- What Are Tritium Exit Signs?
- How Do They Work?
- Why Choose Tritium Over Electric Exit Signs?
- Built for Tough Conditions
- Cost Savings Over Time
- Disposal and Recycling
- Smart, Sustainable Signage
What Are Tritium Exit Signs?
If you're seeking an environmentally responsible exit sign solution, consider non-electric self-luminous exit signage like tritium exit signs. These fixtures require no wiring, no batteries, and leave a minimal carbon footprint when properly recycled after their 10, 15, or 20-year lifespan.
ProTip: Unlike photoluminescent exit signs that need external light to charge, tritium signs glow continuously—day or night—without any power source.
How Do They Work?
Tritium exit signs are powered by a radioactive hydrogen isotope—tritium—sealed in glass tubes coated with phosphor. The beta particles emitted by tritium cause the phosphor to glow, creating visible light without bulbs or electricity.
Highlight: These signs work even in total darkness and never need recharging.
Worried about radiation? Don’t be. The emitted radiation is so weak it can't penetrate a sheet of paper, and it's sealed inside robust glass tubes and housings—making them safe for everyday use in offices, schools, and aircraft cabins.
For a deeper explanation, visit our Tritium Exit Signs Explained guide.
Why Choose Tritium Over Electric Exit Signs?
- No Power Required: Stays illuminated during blackouts—no power or backup needed.
- Simple Installation: Mount and go. No wiring or electrician required.
- Maintenance-Free: No lamps, no batteries, no testing. Zero upkeep over its lifespan.
- Extended Life: Choose from 10, 15, or 20-year models.
- Cost-Efficient: Save on power, maintenance, and replacement costs.
- Safe for All Spaces: No heat, no sparks—perfect for sensitive and hazardous areas.
- Code Compliant: UL 924 listed. Available in Green and Red.
ProTip: Commercial aircraft use tritium signs because they work in total system failure scenarios.
Built for Tough Conditions
Tritium signs are built for environments where electric signs can’t operate safely. The sealed, waterproof design makes them ideal for:
- Parking garages
- Walk-in coolers and cold storage
- Washdown rooms
- Tunnels and underground facilities
- Outdoor wet-location use
They're also the best option in flammable or explosive environments like refineries or chemical plants.
Highlight: No wires means no sparks—ideal for Class I Division 1 and 2 spaces.
Cost Savings Over Time
Though the upfront cost is higher, tritium signs save you more over time:
- No power consumption
- No battery or lamp replacements
- No electrician labor
Perfect for remote or high-cost labor locations—tritium signs keep saving year after year.
ProTip: Want total peace of mind? Choose a 20-year model, install it once, and you're set for two decades.
Disposal and Recycling
When the sign reaches the end of its life, it must be recycled—never thrown in the trash due to its radioactive material.
We offer a certified Tritium Exit Sign Recycling Service that’s easy and fully NRC/EPA compliant.
Highlight: Learn more in our Tritium Exit Sign Recycle Guide.
Smart, Sustainable Signage
Choose tritium for a greener, low-impact solution:
- Zero electricity use
- No replacement parts
- Lifespans of up to 20 years
ProTip: Browse our full selection in the Tritium Exit Signs Buying Guide or shop non-electric exit signage.