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Tritium Exit Signs

Tritium Exit Signs – Self‑Luminous

Tritium exit signs provide continuous, code-compliant illumination with no electricity, wiring, or batteries. UL 924 listed and non-electrical, they offer 10–20 years of maintenance-free visibility for stairwells, tunnels, and off-grid sites. In hard-to-wire areas, these self-luminous exit signs simplify installation while meeting life-safety requirements. Explore the parent collection non-electrical exit signs.

UL 924 Listed NFPA 101 Compliant OSHA Approved USNRC Compliant ISO 9001 Certified Quick Fulfillment
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Tritium (Self-Luminous) Exit Signs

  • Compliance & acceptance: UL 924 listed; confirm AHJ acceptance of self-luminous devices and required safety markings/labels on the sign.
  • Lifespan & brightness: Choose 10/20-year models; verify initial luminance and that end-of-life brightness still meets visibility requirements.
  • No-power operation: Self-luminous—no wiring, batteries, or charging light required; ideal for off-grid or hard-to-wire locations and sealed enclosures.
  • Legend visibility: Red or green letters with uniform illumination; confirm character height and viewing distance (e.g., 6" letters commonly specified to ~100 ft, model-dependent).
  • Faces & chevrons: Single/double-face options; use field-selectable arrows to match actual egress paths and minimize SKU proliferation across floors/zones.
  • Housing & environment: Select thermoplastic, aluminum, or FRP enclosures; consider damp/wet or enclosure ratings (NEMA/IP), UV stability, and impact resistance where needed.
  • Mounting & clearances: Wall/ceiling/end mounting with proper canopy/plate; verify projection, headroom, and label visibility after installation.
  • Markings & records: Ensure permanent expiration/date labels and radiation caution markings; maintain inventory/logs for inspections and audits.
  • End-of-life plan: Establish a return/recycling process ahead of expiration; follow chain-of-custody and packaging requirements for compliant handling.

Perfect for stairwells, tunnels, mechanical rooms, or outdoor enclosures with little to no ambient light, each tritium emergency exit sign is UL 924 listed and NFPA 101 compliant when installed according to code. They’re ideal for off-grid exit sign applications or locations where wiring isn't feasible.

Tritium exit signs are maintenance-free throughout their rated lifespan and include expiration labeling for regulatory compliance. Looking for alternatives for well-lit areas? Check out our photoluminescent exit signs—another no-power emergency sign solution.

When your unit expires, we offer Tritium Exit Sign disposal and recycling services to ensure safe, compliant return.

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Tritium Exit Signs – Spec Guide

  • Compliance & licensing: UL 924 listed; device must comply with federal/state radioactive materials regulations (e.g., general-licensed tritium signs). Verify AHJ acceptance and labeling requirements on submittals.
  • Lifespan & activity: Specify rated life (e.g., 10/15/20-year). Confirm initial brightness/activity and expected end-of-life luminance; ensure legend remains readable for the full rated period.
  • No-power operation: Self-luminous—no AC, batteries, or charging light required. Use where wiring is impractical or prohibited; confirm visibility under site ambient conditions (very bright/daylight areas may favor other technologies).
  • Legend & visibility: Red or green letters with uniform illumination; verify character height and viewing distance (e.g., 6″ letters commonly specified to ~100 ft—model dependent). Maintain clear sightlines on approach paths.
  • Faces & direction: Single/double-face options. Confirm arrow/chevron availability and method (factory or field-applied) to match egress direction and standardize SKUs across floors/zones.
  • Housing & environment: Choose enclosures (thermoplastic, aluminum, or FRP) suitable for indoor/outdoor use; check impact resistance, UV stability, and any damp/wet or enclosure (NEMA/IP) ratings if required by the site.
  • Mounting & clearances: Wall/ceiling/end mounting with appropriate canopy/plate. Verify projection, headroom, and separations from sprinklers/detectors/signage; ensure label visibility after install.
  • Markings & records: Confirm permanent expiration/date labels, serial/model, and radiation caution markings. Maintain inventory/recordkeeping per facility policy for inspections and audits.
  • Handling & EOL: Establish end-of-life return plan to an approved recycler; follow chain-of-custody and packaging requirements for transport/disposal of tritium devices.

Additional Resources

FAQs About Tritium Exit Signs

Is a Tritium Exit Sign Right for My Building?

Tritium exit signs are ideal for facilities where electrical wiring is impractical or unavailable—such as tunnels, outdoor enclosures, or mechanical spaces. They are also excellent for reducing maintenance costs over time, since they require no batteries or electrical connections. Most buildings that fall under UL 924 and NFPA 101 compliance can use them, but check with your local fire marshal for location-specific restrictions.

When to Use Tritium Exit Signs (No Power Required)

Use tritium exit signs in any area without consistent light exposure or electrical power. These include stairwells, emergency egress paths, military shelters, underground parking structures, and storage vaults. Their 10- or 20-year lifespan and self-luminous design make them an excellent “set it and forget it” solution for safety lighting.

How Do Tritium Exit Signs Work?

These signs use tritium gas to emit light continuously without electricity. Tritium emits low-energy beta radiation that excites phosphor coatings inside the sign, producing visible glow.

Are Tritium Exit Signs Safe?

Yes. Tritium signs are sealed and regulated by the NRC. They emit low levels of radiation that are safe under normal use and pose no threat when intact.

What Are the Disposal Requirements?

Tritium signs must be returned to a licensed facility for proper radioactive disposal. Never discard them in regular waste streams.

Are There Alternatives to Tritium Signs?

Yes. In areas with consistent lighting, photoluminescent exit signs offer a non-radioactive, power-free alternative.

Do Tritium Signs Expire?

Yes. Depending on the model, they last 10, 15, or 20 years. Each sign includes an expiration date and must be properly disposed of when it reaches end-of-life.

What Is a Nuclear Exit Sign?

“Nuclear exit sign” is a common term for a tritium exit sign, which uses radioactive tritium gas to emit light continuously without electricity. These signs are self-powered, safe under normal use, and require no maintenance for 10–20 years.

Do Tritium Exit Signs Meet UL 924 and NFPA 101?

Yes. All tritium exit signs sold here are UL 924 listed and compliant with NFPA 101 and OSHA life safety code requirements when installed properly.