Open the Door to Savings with Efficient Exit Lighting

Illuminated exit signs operate 24/7 in most commercial buildings. Larger facilities may have hundreds in operation. Older, incandescent exit signs are highly inefficient and have a short lamp life. By upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models that last longer, you'll close the door on wasted energy and unnecessary maintenance costs.

What are the options?

For decades, low-efficiency, incandescent signs were the only lighting option available. Today, you can select from a variety of energy-saving types and styles.

• LEDs with their high energy efficiency and long life (typically 6 to 10 years). Back-lit or edge-lit LEDs have become the standard in exit lighting. LEDs require little maintenance, provide a uniform light distribution and are very reliable. Energy consumption is roughly 70% less than fluorescent/CFL signs and 90% less than incandescent signs.
• Light-emitting capacitors (LECs) use a phosphor material within a capacitor structure that emits light when it comes into contact with an electrical current. LECs use even less energy than LED signs and provide vivid, uniform light. They are more expensive to purchase, however.
• Photoluminescent signs harvest surrounding light to provide illumination. They are used in areas where wiring is difficult, or not available. Although photoluminescent signs typically need little or no maintenance, and can last up to 25 years, they require a natural or electric light source to remain fully charged. Some manufacturers offer a hybrid design that combines LEDs with photoluminescent material.

Design options range from the standard red and white box-shaped model to more modern-looking cast aluminum and edge-lit designs. Some products come with battery backup to provide emergency exit lighting during power outages but require monthly inspection and testing. Smart exit signs with Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity can be remotely tested online. Standard LED models are available for as little as $15, although some signs cost as much as $200 or more, depending on the type and features.

Upgrade it for FREE!

In addition to other energy saving measures, our Commercial Direct Install Program (CDI) provides LED exit sign upgrades. Sign up today.