Home » Exit Signs » Non Electrical Exit Signs » Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Photoluminescent Exit Signs – Non Electrical, No Power, UL 924

Photoluminescent Exit Signs

Photoluminescent exit signs—also called glow-in-the-dark exit signs—provide reliable egress visibility without electricity, batteries, or wiring. They’re part of our Exit Signs lineup and our non-electrical exit signs family. These signs absorb ambient light and automatically glow when power fails. For always-visible, low-light areas, see tritium exit signs.

UL 924 Listed NFPA 101 Compliant No Power / No Wiring Zero Maintenance Local Code Ready
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Photoluminescent Exit Signs

  • UL 924 & code: Confirm UL 924 listing and NFPA 101 alignment; verify AHJ acceptance before submittal.
  • Charging light level: Provide continuous ambient illumination of about 5 foot-candles on the sign face during occupancy for reliable after-glow performance.
  • Charging duration: Ensure lights remain on whenever the building is occupied so the panel stays charged prior to any outage event.
  • Luminous performance: Check viewing distance (often up to 100 ft) and decay characteristics to meet your egress plan’s legibility time window.
  • Legend spec: Standard 6 in letters; confirm color/contrast versus wall/ceiling finishes and any jurisdictional color preferences.
  • Faces & chevrons: Select single or double-face; use field-selectable chevrons to match the actual egress path and reduce SKUs.
  • Siting & sightlines: Mount where the face receives charging light and has clear line-of-sight; avoid obstructions, deep reveals, or glare from nearby luminaires.
  • Environment rating: Verify indoor/damp/wet suitability and temperature range; confirm UV/chemical resistance if used in specialty areas.
  • Construction & care: Durable frames and cleanable faces; keep surfaces free of dust/film—soiling reduces charge and brightness over time.
  • Permanently low-light areas: Where charging light can’t be guaranteed, consider an alternative technology that does not require ambient charging.
  • Documentation: Record ambient light levels, installation date, and cleaning intervals; include manufacturer charging/legibility instructions in maintenance logs.

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 EXIT 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.

Filter products

Match all

Related Categories

Clear all

6 Products

Shop by Color

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.

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.

Additional Resources

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 meet NFPA 101 egress requirements and provide at least 90 minutes of legible visibility during a power loss.

Where should I install photoluminescent signs?

Place them in reliably lit areas such as stairwells and landings, basements and interior corridors, mechanical/electrical rooms, and retrofit locations where running conduit is costly. Avoid intermittently lit or dim spaces (e.g., closets with switched lights, windowless rooms left dark, or shaded exteriors without lighting).

Do they require maintenance?

No electrical maintenance is needed. Perform periodic visual checks to confirm area lighting is on during occupancy, keep the sign face clean, and verify the legend remains legible after lights are switched off.

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.

Are they safe and environmentally friendly?

Yes. Photoluminescent signs are non-toxic, non-radioactive, and recyclable, and with no power draw they support sustainability and green-building goals.

How do I choose the right model?

Select the mounting (wall, ceiling, or end-mount), face count (single or 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.