Wireless Exit Signs: The Complete Buyer’s & Code Compliance Guide

 Quick Picks

Comparisons

Photoluminescent vs Tritium vs “Battery-Only” (Myth-Busting)

Photoluminescent signs charge from ambient light and then glow in the dark—no wiring, no batteries, virtually zero maintenance beyond an occasional wipe. They thrive anywhere lights are reliably on during occupancy (corridors, classrooms, offices).

Tritium exit signs are self-luminous—sealed tubes glow continuously for 10–20 years with no power or charging light. They shine in dim, remote, cold, or intermittently lit locations (freezers, storage, remote outbuildings). Owners must plan for legal recycling at end-of-life.

Wireless vs Hardwired LED: Lifetime Cost, Install Labor & Testing

• Install labor: Wireless signs mount like plaques—no conduit or panel shutdowns. Wired LEDs require boxes, runs, patch/paint.
• Energy: Photolum & tritium: zero electricity. LED: a few watts 24/7—small per unit, large in fleets.
• Parts: Wireless signs have no batteries/boards. LEDs need periodic batteries and occasional electronics.
• Testing: LEDs must be tested monthly/annually; self-testing helps; wireless monitoring automates logs/alerts.

Solar-Assisted vs Photoluminescent (Outdoor/Daylit Areas)

Photoluminescent excels where there’s consistent daytime or occupancy lighting. In truly dark overnight areas, consider tritium (no charging needed) or a solar-powered LED kit that stores energy to run LEDs after dark. Photolum is simpler; solar-LED is brighter in dead-dark settings but adds batteries/panels to maintain.

“Wireless Monitoring” (LoRa/BLE) vs Self-Testing LED

Self-testing LED units run monthly/annual tests and show green/red indicators. Wireless-monitored networks centralize testing, push pass/fail to a dashboard, and produce inspection-ready reports. Inspectors care that tests happen and records exist—either method can satisfy the requirement when implemented correctly.

Code & Compliance

Are Wireless Exit Signs UL 924/NFPA 101 Compliant?

Yes—when you choose UL 924 listed models and install them per their listing. NFPA 101 permits non-electrical signs (photoluminescent and self-luminous) with conditions. Photoluminescent signs must receive adequate charging illumination during occupancy; tritium signs are acceptable when listed and within rated life. AC/battery LED units (with or without wireless monitoring) must provide at least 90 minutes of emergency illumination and be tested per code.

Ambient Light Requirements for Photoluminescent (Foot-Candles)

• Target ~5 fc (≈54 lux) on the sign face under normal occupancy lighting (follow product listing).
• Verify with a light meter: Measure at the face; add an unswitched “charge” light if borderline.
• Avoid “dark by sensor” traps: Don’t let occupancy sensors leave signs uncharged while occupied.
• Outages: Once power fails, the sign glows; UL 924 covers 90-minute visibility.

Tritium Regulatory Overview & End-of-Life/Disposal

• Keep labels intact; maintain inventory and a responsible contact.
• Recycle only at end-of-life via licensed recipients—never trash or abandon.
• Report lost, stolen, or broken units to the NRC or your state radiation program.
• Budget modest per-unit recycling fees; plan replacements before expiration.

Common Plan Review Comments & How to Avoid Rejections

• “Show UL 924.” Include product cut sheets with listing/visibility ratings.
• “Prove photometrics.” Note ≥5 fc at photolum faces; add charge lights if needed.
• “Indicate placement/chevrons.” Show sign locations, arrows, and viewing distances.
• “Address tritium handling.” State that end-of-life will be recycled per NRC/state rules.

Use-Cases

Historic Buildings & Tenant Improvements

Preserve finishes and avoid surface conduit. Photoluminescent signs mount flush with no wiring; tritium fits dim rooms or spaces where lighting is intermittent. Ideal for theaters, museums, boutique retail, and design-sensitive lobbies.

Warehouses & Big Box

High-bay aisles and long egress paths benefit from wire-free installs and fewer lift trips. Use higher visibility ratings where needed; consider tritium for cold storage or low-light areas. Minimal maintenance at height is a major win for operations.

Schools & Healthcare

Cut testing workload and minimize disruptions. Photolum thrives in always-lit corridors; wireless-monitored LEDs automate compliance logs for hospitals and campuses with many devices.

Temporary Structures & Construction Sites

Perfect for tents, temporary corridors, trailers, and pop-ups. Mount in minutes, reuse at the next site, and stay compliant without building temporary electrical infrastructure.

Implementation

Site Audit Playbook: Where “Wireless” Works (and Where It Won’t)

1. Map lighting: Mark photolum zones (well-lit during occupancy) and tritium zones (low-light/intermittent/cold/remote).
2. Check coverage: Ensure line-of-sight within rated viewing distance (50/75/100 ft).
3. Assess environment: Temperature, moisture, dust, hazardous locations. Match sign ratings.
4. Coordinate with AHJ: Confirm local amendments/pictogram requirements.
5. Document actions: Type per location, chevrons, any charge lights, mounting details.

Placement & Visibility: Letter Height, Viewing Distance, Chevrons, Contrast

• Lettering: 6" letters, 3/4" stroke (UL 924).
• Viewing distance: Respect 50/75/100-ft ratings; no point on the path should exceed rating or 100 ft.
• Chevrons: Add arrows at decision points; field-select orientation.
• Mounting: Conspicuous, unobstructed; consider double-face units for two-way approaches.
• Contrast: Ensure sign color contrasts with background; avoid nearby bright signage that confuses wayfinding.

Maintenance Calendars: Photolum Cleaning, Tritium Lifespan, LED Testing

• Photoluminescent: Wipe face annually (more in dusty areas). Verify area lights function. Quick visual checks during monthly life-safety rounds.
• Tritium: Track serials/expiration; plan replacement and licensed recycling before end-of-life. Visually confirm glow; report damage/loss as required.
• Self-testing/monitored LED: Review indicators or dashboards monthly; fix flagged units; retain automated reports for inspectors.
• Spares: Keep a few photolum units on hand for quick replacements or added coverage.

Budgeting & ROI: Electrician Savings vs Replacement/Disposal Costs

• Upfront: Avoid electrician labor, conduit, and finish repair—wireless installs are fast and minimally disruptive.
• Operating: Non-electrical signs eliminate energy spend; large fleets see cumulative savings.
• Testing: Fewer batteries and service calls. Weigh wireless monitoring subscription vs manual rounds—campuses often see major labor reductions.
• Lifecycle: Include tritium recycling fees in long-range budgets; photolum typically offers the lowest TCO.

Recommended Ways to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as a “wireless exit sign”?

In code-compliant terms, it’s a sign that needs no building power: photoluminescent or tritium. Some LED signs offer wireless monitoring (for testing/logs) but still require AC power.

Are photoluminescent signs really code compliant?

Yes—when they’re UL 924 listed and installed where the face gets ~5 fc of reliable illumination during occupancy.

Where should I use tritium instead of photolum?

Anywhere with low or intermittent lighting, in cold storage, or at remote sites without reliable charging light.

Do inspectors accept wireless monitoring reports?

Yes. If your system runs the required tests and produces records, inspectors typically accept those logs in lieu of manual push-button checks.

How do I dispose of tritium signs?

Recycle only through a licensed recipient. Keep chain-of-custody and certificates; report lost/broken units as required.

What link should I use to shop “wireless exit signs”?

Use our non-electrical collection: wireless exit signs.