How do self illuminating exit signs work?

A self-luminous exit sign is a non-electrical product that uses radioactive tritium gas to produce light. Tritium (H-3) is an isotope of hydrogen that emits low-energy beta radiation in the form of electrons. These electrons excite the phosphor, causing the glass tubes to continuously emit light.

How do exit signs glow?

In EXIT signs, tritium gas is contained in sealed glass tubes lined with a light-emitting compound. The tritium gives off low-energy beta radiation that causes the lining to glow. When the lights are off, tritium will make the word EXIT glow green or red.

What is a self luminous exit sign?

Self-luminous exit signs, which are powered by tritium gas, are a popular non-electrical, code compliant alternative to electrical LED exit signs. Completely self-illuminating, these exit signs do not need electricity to produce light.

How does exit sign mirror work?

The effect is achieved by a row of LEDs located at the top of the panel shooting light down into the panel. The edge of the Exit panel is often lined with a reflective strip that accentuates the effect by reflecting light back up into the panel where the light illuminates the word EXIT.

Are exit signs radioactive?

Many exit signs contain tritium. Tritium is a naturally-occurring radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is often used to light up a sign without batteries or electricity. Tritium exit signs will glow without electricity or batteries for more than 10 years.

Why is selling tritium illegal?

Tritium does not in itself emit light but excites phosphors, thereby generating light. Due to U.S. regulations regarding radioactive substances, all of the above items can be legally sold in the U.S., as the manufacturers of such products require special licensing in order to integrate tritium into their products.

How long do exit signs last?

How long do photoluminescence exit signs glow? Once it has absorbed enough light to be fully “charged”, PL signs will last 15-95 hours in complete darkness before they are fully discharged.

What’s inside an exit sign?

How do you make an exit sign work?

Most emergency lights or exit signs have a small “push to test” button somewhere on the casing. You can push and hold this button for thirty seconds to test the bulbs and battery. This works ok if you have a small number of devices that can be easily reached.

How long do radioactive exit signs last?

Tritium exit signs will glow without electricity or batteries for more than 10 years.

What do you call a self luminous exit sign?

Self luminous exit signs are also known as self powered exit signs or tritium exit signs. These synonymous names all refer to the same product. Since tritium gas is an isotope of hydrogen, these signs are sometimes also referred to as nuclear exit signs or radioactive exit signs.

What is the code for photoluminescent exit signs?

Electrically powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Chapter 27. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.

Can a photoluminescent sign be used as an egress marker?

Photoluminescent signs can be used as egress markers and exit signs as long as they meet the necessary performance standards. Indeed, many egress markers (being smaller and more common than exit signs) must be self-luminescent—electric illumination won’t do. Listing requirements from IBC, NFPA 101, and others for photoluminescent signs

What are the advantages of a Tritium exit sign?

The type of exit sign that we sell is completely universal and has a number of advantages over conventional LED exit signs, which require electricity. Tritium exit signs are completely self-illuminated for up to 20 years, depending on the model chosen. Eliminate operating and maintenance costs today!