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Photoluminescent Exit Signs

Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) exit signs deliver code-ready egress visibility with no wiring, no electricity, and no batteries. Start at our parent exit signs collection, then choose photoluminescent when you can maintain consistent ambient light on the sign face (charge + glow). For areas without reliable charging light, see self-luminous tritium exit signs. If you need weather protection, compare wet-location exit signs.  |  Information & Specs

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

What to Look for in Photoluminescent Exit Signs

  • Charging light: Provide about 5 foot-candles on the face during occupancy for dependable after-glow performance.
  • Viewing distance: Standard 6-inch legends typically support up to 100 ft; confirm your plan’s sightlines.
  • Finish & faces: Pick single/double-face, letter color (red/green), and a durable housing that fits the interior.
  • Chevrons: Field-selectable arrows help match real egress paths and simplify stocking.
  • Environment: Verify indoor/damp/wet suitability and operating temperature range as required.
  • Care: Keep the glow surface clean; dust/film reduces charging and brightness.
  • Records: Log measured light levels at install; retain cut sheets and install notes for inspections.
Highlight: Photoluminescent exit signs are non-radioactive and energy-free—they charge from the building’s lighting and glow during outages. Keep faces clean and maintain ~5 fc to ensure reliable after-glow.

Ideal for LEED-certified buildings, stairwells, tunnels, mechanical rooms, and retrofit projects where running conduit is costly or impractical, these non-powered exit signs meet UL 924 and NFPA 101 when exposed to a continuous charging source of at least 5 foot-candles of ambient light.

With no power, no wiring, and no energy costs, photoluminescent signs minimize maintenance and lifecycle costs—perfect for sustainability goals and energy-efficient designs.

How do photoluminescent exit signs work?
Phosphorescent pigments in the sign absorb visible light and then re-emit it in darkness, illuminating the EXIT legend with no bulbs, batteries, or wiring.
Red Photoluminescent Exit Sign 100 foot viewing
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Red Photoluminescent Exit Signs

High-contrast red characters for corridors and stairwells; preferred or required by some jurisdictions.

Green Photoluminescent Exit Signs

Widely accepted in the U.S.; strong legibility on light finishes and wayfinding consistency.

⚠️ Always confirm color acceptance with your local AHJ; some jurisdictions specify red characters.

Information Hub: Viewing Distance, Charging Light & Selection

Viewing Distance Explained

Viewing distance is the maximum range from which the EXIT legend remains readable in emergency conditions. Common ratings are 50 ft, 75 ft, and 100 ft depending on letter height, stroke, contrast, and luminance decay over the 90-minute window.

  • 50 ft: Short corridors, stair towers, compartmentalized floor plans.
  • 75 ft: Longer corridors and midsize areas; adds margin for glare or clutter.
  • 100 ft: Warehouses, big-box retail, atriums; fewer signs across long sightlines.

Rule of thumb: another sign or the exit itself should come into view before you exceed the installed sign’s rating.

Ambient Light & Charging

  • Target: ≈ 5 foot-candles on the face during occupancy; measure at the sign.
  • Charging time: Planning baseline ~60 minutes; daily operation keeps faces “topped up.”
  • Controls: Ensure lighting isn’t dimmed or switched off while spaces are occupied.
  • Care: Keep faces clean; dust and film reduce charging and perceived brightness.

Use-Case Scenarios

  • Stairs & landings: Frequent turns and short sightlines → 50 ft or 75 ft models.
  • Long corridors: 75 ft typically; step to 100 ft for long, uninterrupted runs.
  • Large volumes: Warehouses, atriums, auditoriums → 100 ft visibility preferred.

Visuals & Explainers

Viewing Distance Comparison for Photoluminescent Exit Signs: 50-ft (≈4″ letters), 75-ft (≈5″ letters), 100-ft (≈6″ letters).
Viewing distance comparison: 50 ft (≈4″ letters), 75 ft (≈5″), and 100 ft (≈6″). Choose a rating that comfortably covers your longest sightline.
Charging vs. Glow: photoluminescent exit signs charging under normal lighting versus glowing for at least 90 minutes during an outage.
Charging vs. glow: normal lighting charges the face; during an outage, stored energy emits visible light for ≥90 minutes.
Placement Strategy: several 50-ft signs at shorter intervals versus fewer 100-ft signs at longer spacing.
Placement strategy: several 50-ft signs at shorter intervals vs. fewer 100-ft signs at longer spacing—both comply when distances are respected.

Photoluminescent Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & code: UL 924 listing and alignment with NFPA 101; confirm AHJ acceptance on submittals before installation.
  • Charging light level: Provide continuous ambient illumination of about 5 foot-candles on the sign face during occupancy to ensure reliable after-glow performance.
  • Charging duration: Keep area lighting on whenever the space is occupied so the panel remains charged prior to any outage event or test cycle.
  • Luminous performance: Verify viewing distance (often up to 100 ft) and decay characteristics to meet legibility time in the egress plan and local requirements.
  • Siting & sightlines: Mount where the face receives charging light and has clear line-of-sight; avoid obstructions, deep reveals, and veiling glare from nearby luminaires.
  • Legend spec: Standard 6-in letters; confirm color/contrast with finishes and any jurisdictional color preferences before ordering.
  • Faces & chevrons: Select single or double-face; use field-selectable directional chevrons to match actual egress paths and minimize SKUs.
  • Environment rating: Confirm indoor/damp/wet suitability and temperature range; consider UV/chemical resistance for tunnels, mechanical rooms, or industrial spaces.
  • Construction & care: Durable frames with cleanable faces; keep surfaces free of dust/film—soiling reduces charge and brightness over time; specify vandal-resistant options where needed.
  • Permanently low-light areas: Where charging light can’t be guaranteed, specify a technology that does not require ambient charging to maintain visibility requirements.
  • Documentation & commissioning: Record ambient light measurements on the face, installation date, and cleaning intervals; include manufacturer charging/legibility instructions in maintenance logs.

Decision Framework (Checklist)

  1. Measure longest sightline. ≤50 ft → 50 ft; ~50–90 ft → 75 ft; ≥90–100 ft → 100 ft.
  2. Verify charging light. ≈5 fc at the face during occupancy; fix controls if needed.
  3. Mounting & angles. High/steep mounts → favor 75 ft or 100 ft for margin.
  4. Color & arrows. Confirm with AHJ; keep colors consistent along a path.
  5. Document. Log distances, light readings, mount height, color, arrows, photos.

FAQs About Photoluminescent Exit Signs

How do photoluminescent exit signs work?

Photoluminescent exit signs (a.k.a. glow in the dark exit signs) absorb ambient light—at least 5 foot-candles—and then re-emit it when lights go out. They require no electricity or batteries, and most models reach a full charge in about 60 minutes under adequate lighting.

Are they code compliant?

Yes. When the sign face receives continuous illumination of ≥ 5 foot-candles during occupancy, photoluminescent signs are UL 924 listed, align with NFPA 101, and provide at least 90 minutes of legible visibility during a power loss.

How bright are they compared to electric signs?

They’re dimmer than internally illuminated LED exit signs, but engineered to remain readable at their rated viewing distance (50/75/100 ft) after lights go out—provided charging light has been maintained.

How long do they glow?

Expect at least 90 minutes of usable glow after an outage under proper charging conditions. Visibility tapers gradually; keep the face clean to maintain charging efficiency.

Where should I install photoluminescent signs?

Stair towers and landings, consistently lit corridors, basements, mechanical/electrical rooms, and retrofit locations where running conduit is impractical. Avoid intermittently lit or very dim spaces.

Do they require maintenance?

No electrical maintenance. Periodically verify lighting levels during occupancy, keep the face clean, and confirm legibility in lights-out drills.

What if I don’t have enough ambient light?

Choose a technology that doesn’t rely on charging light—consider self-luminous tritium exit signs for continuous glow, or use an LED exit sign with battery backup in very low-light areas.

How do I choose the right model?

Select the mounting (wall, ceiling, or end-mount), face count (single/double), chevrons (field-applied or fixed), location rating (indoor/dry or wet-location), and confirm letter height and viewing-distance requirements with your local code.

Code tip: Always verify local rules for legend color, mounting height, arrow usage, and where internally illuminated signs are mandated.