Exit Sign Features
When comparing Exit Signs there are features that you need and features that will cost you money. Compare Exit Sign features then check out our other comparisons to determine their cost, sustainability, compliance and required testing. The below is based on industry data.
Battery Exit Sign | Photoluminescent Exit Sign (Unpowered, Battery-Free) | Hybrid Photoluminescent Exit Sign (Powered, Battery-Free) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Power Source | Mains power 24/7. When power is cut, a backup battery in every sign must provide power for at least 90 mins. | No power required in the sign. Charged from external light. In darkness, the photoluminescence provides necessary light for more than 90 mins. | Mains power 24/7 to integrated dedicated light source that charges the photoluminescence. In darkness from power failures, the photoluminescence provides necessary light for more than 90 mins. |
Power Use | Typically, 2-6W per 24M Exit Sign. May be higher depending on age & technology. Check whether stated power use includes driver power. | 0 Watts (No Power Use) | As low as 0.74W per 24M Exit Sign. Includes driver power. |
Expected Life | 2 – 4 Years | 30+ Years | 16+ Years |
Reliability | Poor. Batteries and charging circuits are most common form of failure. If battery or circuit fails, Exit Sign cannot work. Batteries typically excluded from Warranty. | Excellent. No batteries or integrated circuits to fail. In rooms with multiple light sources, even if dedicated light source fails will still charge from other light. | Very Good. No batteries or battery charging circuits to fail. Very simple light circuits. If other light sources present, they also contribute to charging the photoluminescence even if integrated LED was to fail. |
120-minute Installation Discharge Test | Mandatory | Not Required – No Battery. | Not Required – No Battery. |
6-monthly 90-minute Battery Testing | Mandatory | Not Required – No Battery. Visual Inspection Only. | Not Required – No Battery. Visual Inspection Only. |
24M Size (most common) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Jumbo Size | Yes | Yes (Performance Solution) | Yes (Performance Solution) |
Can Replace Failed Powered, Electric Battery Exit Sign | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can Replace Failed Un-Powered & Powered Battery-Free Exit Signs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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