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Non Electric Exit Signs

Non-electric exit signs provide UL 924–compliant egress visibility with no power, batteries, or wiring. Start at our parent exit signs collection, then choose the right power-free technology: photoluminescent exit signs (charge from ambient light) or tritium exit signs (24/7 illumination with no charging light). These long-life non-electrical exit signs are ideal for green buildings, hard-to-wire areas, and facilities prioritizing energy efficiency and low maintenance.

UL 924 Listed NFPA 101 Compliant OSHA Compliant No Power / No Wiring Zero Maintenance LEED / Eco-Friendly
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Non-Electric Exit Signs

  • UL 924 & code: Confirm UL 924 listing and NFPA 101 compliance per your AHJ; follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to the letter.
  • Technology type: Choose photoluminescent (requires charging light) or self-luminous tritium (24/7 illumination with sealed gas, no charging light).
  • Charging light (PL): Provide continuous ambient illumination of about 5 foot-candles on the sign face during occupancy for reliable after-glow performance.
  • Service life: Photoluminescent panels have long usable life if surfaces stay clean; tritium tubes are typically 10/15/20-year rated—plan for end-of-life replacement/disposal.
  • Legend spec: Standard 6 in letters with typical viewing up to 100 ft; confirm color/contrast and any jurisdictional preferences before ordering.
  • Faces & chevrons: Select single or double-face; use field-selectable directional chevrons to match actual egress paths and reduce SKUs.
  • Mounting & sightlines: Wall/ceiling/end-mount hardware; maintain clear line-of-sight and height per plan to avoid obstructions and glare from nearby luminaires.
  • Environment rating: Verify indoor/damp/wet-location suitability; check temperature range (especially for tritium in cold spaces) and UV/chemical resistance if applicable.
  • Construction & finish: Durable aluminum/thermoplastic with easy-clean faces; keep photoluminescent surfaces free of dirt/films to preserve brightness.
  • NRC/handling (tritium): Follow shipping, storage, and end-of-life handling requirements; use a qualified recycler for tube disposal.
  • Documentation: Keep cut sheets and maintenance notes on file; record ambient light measurements (PL) or install dates and life rating (tritium) for inspections.

We offer two primary types of non-electric exit signage: photoluminescent exit signs and tritium exit signs. Photoluminescent models absorb ambient light and glow automatically in darkness (provide at least 5 foot-candles of continuous charging light on the face), while tritium models illuminate 24/7 using a sealed, maintenance-free gas source—no external light or power required.

Both technologies are fully UL 924 listed and meet the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code when installed per manufacturer instructions. They’re ideal for stairwells, mechanical rooms, basements, remote exits, and outdoor pathways where hardwiring is difficult or costly.

These zero-energy exit signs reduce lifetime costs and carbon footprint—perfect for LEED projects and off-grid locations. No bulbs to replace, no batteries to service, and no wiring required.

💡 Highlight: Non powered, non-electric exit signs provide blackout-ready egress visibility with no electricity costs, no batteries, and no ongoing maintenance.

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Non-Electric Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & code: UL 924 listing and NFPA 101 alignment; confirm AHJ acceptance and follow manufacturer installation instructions precisely.
  • Technology: Choose photoluminescent (requires charging light) or self-luminous tritium (24/7 illumination, no charging light).
  • Charging light (PL): Provide continuous ambient illumination of about 5 fc on the face during occupancy to meet after-glow performance targets.
  • Luminous performance: Verify viewing distance (often up to 100 ft), decay curves (PL), and legibility time to satisfy egress plans and inspections.
  • Service life: PL panels offer long life if kept clean; tritium tubes are typically 10/15/20-year rated—plan for end-of-life replacement and documentation updates.
  • NRC/handling (tritium): Follow shipping, storage, recordkeeping, and end-of-life recycling requirements with a qualified processor; do not open sealed tubes.
  • Legend & faces: Standard 6-in letters; select single or double-face; confirm color/contrast per interior finishes and AHJ preference (red/green).
  • Chevrons: Use field-selectable directional arrows to match actual egress paths and reduce SKU count site-wide.
  • Mounting & sightlines: Wall/ceiling/end hardware; maintain clear line-of-sight, height, and setback to avoid obstructions and glare from nearby luminaires.
  • Environment rating: Confirm indoor/damp/wet-location suitability, temperature range (especially tritium in cold areas), and resistance to UV/chemicals where applicable.
  • Construction & care: Durable aluminum/thermoplastic; keep PL faces clean—dirt and films reduce charge and brightness; document cleaning intervals in maintenance logs.
  • Documentation: Retain cut sheets and installation notes; record ambient light levels (PL) or install date and life rating (tritium) for inspection readiness.

FAQs About Non-Electric Exit Signs

What is a non-electric exit sign?

It’s an exit sign that requires no wiring or electricity to operate. These include photoluminescent and self-luminous models that glow without a power source.

How do photoluminescent signs work?

They absorb ambient light (minimum 5 foot-candles) and glow in the dark for hours. They're non-radioactive, recyclable, and ideal for LEED-certified buildings.

What is a self-luminous exit sign?

It uses tritium gas to provide constant illumination for 10, 15, or 20 years without any external light or power. These are maintenance-free and usable in total darkness.

Are non-electric exit signs code compliant?

Yes. Both photoluminescent and self-luminous signs are UL 924 listed and meet NFPA 101 requirements when installed per manufacturer guidelines.

Do these signs expire?

Photoluminescent signs do not expire. Tritium signs have a defined lifespan (typically 10–20 years) and include a printed expiration date for compliance tracking.

Where are non-electric signs typically installed?

Ideal for stairwells, storage rooms, utility tunnels, basements, and off-grid or energy-restricted areas where power access is limited or unavailable.