Battery Exit Sign

A battery exit sign is a commonly misunderstood emergency fixture search term. The majority of electrical exit signs feature battery backup systems that enable the unit to remain operational even after AC electrical power is severed during an emergency situation such as a fire or earthquake. There are no exit sign models available today that operate solely off of battery power. This might confuse some who wonder why there are no battery powered exit signs. Battery powered exit signs do not exist because the batteries that are inside exit signs are not powerful enough to sustain operation for more than a few hours. All battery backup systems are tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to provide power for a minimum 90 minutes when fully charged. The batteries constantly charge while connected to electrical power and then discharge as soon as power is lost. Until recently this meant that to install a code compliant illuminated exit sign you would have to hire an electrician to run conduit to installation locations. The cost of hiring an electrician plus supplies is expensive and invasive.

Advances in technology have resulted in the production of two different types of non-electrical exit signs. Non-electrical exit signs are a simple, non-invasive exit sign solution that satisfies the same code requirements as electrical exit signs. Non-electrical exit signs do not require an electrician for installation and surface mount to most surfaces, making installation a breeze.

The first types of non-electrical sign are photoluminescent exit signs. Photoluminescent exit signs use state of the art glow-in-the-dark technology to provide reliable illumination for up to 25 years. Photoluminescent exit signs absorb ambient light and the re-emit that light by glowing when placed in dark conditions. Photoluminescent exit signs are a popular choice for indoor commercial spaces where light is constantly available while the building is occupied.

Click here for our selection of photoluminescent exit signs.

If ambient light is not present or the sign is to be placed outdoors you can feel comfortable installing a self-luminous exit sign. Self-luminous exit signs utilize tritium, a glowing form of hydrogen, to provide constant illumination that lasts for 10, 15, or 25 years depending on the model purchased. Self-luminous exit signs are suitable for indoor and outdoor placement and can be ordered in single and double-faced versions. Call us today to talk more about non-electrical exit signs and to figure out what model will work best for your application.

Click here for our selection of self-luminous exit signs.