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Viewing report
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Photoluminescent Exit Signs Now a Viable Alternative
E SOURCE, March 2004, Pages: 10
By one estimate more than 90 percent of the exit signs sold in the U.S. today are based on lightemitting diode (LED) technology that uses just 5 watts per face. Yet there is an alternative that has the potential to save even more energy than these ef?cient devices—exit signs based on photoluminescent technology, which offer not just lower energy use, but the potential for zero energy use. Saving even 5 watts per face on exit signs that often operate 24/7 can add up, given that more than 30 million of them have been installed throughout the U.S.
Photoluminescent technology is well established as a supplement for powered emergency lighting and for marking paths. Although recent developments have also made the technology acceptable, by national code, as a replacement for electrically powered exit signs, its use in such applications is still controversial. Whatever type of exit sign you use, its wise to make sure that it complies with local code requirements.
Photoluminescent signs that have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories offer the potential to save energy in areas where they will be illuminated by least 5 foot-candles of reliable ?uorescent lighting. They will not save energy where dedicated lighting must be kept on to fully charge the signs, and they are not an effective alternative to powered signs in dimly lit areas such as restaurants and movie theaters.
We examine this technology, which is suitable for some, but not all, exit signs.
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