Photoluminescence is the process of absorbing light energy from surrounding sources and storing it as a charge for release at a later time. This technology can be compared to a battery in the sense that the charge necessary for operation is housed until usage is required. A photoluminescent sign releases the charge as a visible source of illumination at times when lighting within a structure diminishes. Egress path markings using this technology minimally require one hour of light exposure to gain the necessary charge for reliable visibility. The delivered illumination helps occupants to find a way out of a structure in the most extreme emergency conditions. Photoluminescent technology is a suitable solution for evacuation safety as the identifiers do not create sparks or introduce toxic materials into the surrounding environment at the time of an emergency.
A Safer Alternative for Effective Egress Signing
Electric signing provides a safe form of egress identification but does not offer the reliability or cost savings gained from photoluminescent technology. An incandescent or fluorescent identifier must have a constant power source for a building to remain compliant with local codes. Electricity is not dependable in every situation as main or secondary power has a possibility of failure. Owners relying only on these signs are at high risk of experiencing a dangerous evacuation scenario. Imagine a fire situation where main power is cut off and backup implementations such as a generator do not turn on. Occupants are left in a dark environment where they must attempt to locate the nearest egress point without any type of visual aid. Photoluminescent technology prevents this scenario by supplying a line of sight regardless of the building conditions at the time of an emergency. These identifiers do not require power to be seen and become visible as soon as lighting conditions begin to change. National safety guidelines recommend photoluminescence as a backup implementation option for ensuring an egress route identification aid is supplied to individuals in unexpected emergency conditions.
What Are the Advantages?
An electrical sign is costly to purchase, install, maintain, and dispose due to the items required for continuous operation. Each identifier must be wired to a main and secondary power source to guarantee visibility. These signs are not reliable in thick smoke, have a high probability of failure, cost more to maintain, and require additional disposal processes. The choice to use photoluminescent technology for building safety code compliance offers these specific benefits:
• Environmentally Safe
• Easy to Install
• Reduced Maintenance
• Decreased Expenses
A photoluminescent identifier remains visible and ready for use as long as it receives the appropriate amount of light for a charge. Professional wiring and additional processes are not necessary to complete installation as the signs receive their power from surrounding light sources. Photoluminescent technology poses no harm to the environment because it does not contain the toxic materials found in alternative solutions. Self-luminous products eradicate several implementation and usage costs experienced with electrically based choices. Photoluminescent technology eliminates several complications experienced with power reliant signing and ensures a dependable aid is supplied to occupants during an evacuation.