The Best Alternative to Hardwired Exit Signs are Photoluminescent Signs

Posted by Tactile Solution on October 6th, 2023

Hardwired exit signs are connected to the power supply of a building, and these are not useful during a power outage. Hence, a reliable alternative is essential.

To maintain the safety of the people inside a building, whether commercial or residential, it is important to apply exit signs that are trustworthy and reliable. Photoluminescent exit path signs are reliable alternatives to hardwired exit signs.

What are Photoluminescent Signs?

The reason why photoluminescent signs are considered a better alternative than hardwired exit signs is that photoluminescent exit signs indicate emergency directions and routes to follow during a power outage. In addition, these signs put out a high glow in low light or dark areas.

On the contrary, hardwired exit signs use a power supply to light up.

Why are Photoluminescent Signs a better alternative to Hardwired Exit Signs?

There are a couple of reasons why photoluminescent signs are more useful than hardwired exit signs. The most important reason and factor are that photoluminescent exit signs help to save a lot of operational, maintenance, and monitoring costs.

Let’s see the other reasons to choose self-illuminating exit signs over the conventional hardwired exit signs.

No power backup required

Unlike hardwired exit signs, photoluminescent signs do not require any power backup. These signs absorb light the ambient light dispersed around in the surrounding area. Even some hardwired exit signs run on a battery for just 90 minutes; hence these still require power backup to function. It is not the case with luminous exit signs.

These signs require half-yearly inspection, and if failed, these are left untreated for six months, and these are not useful in emergencies till treated.

Also, hardwired exit signs are not great for wet environments or places where chemical or hazardous goods are kept because they might cause any fire incident.

Environmental friendly

No electricity consumption means no emission of carbon by using photoluminescent exit signs, which is essential to tackle the changing climate. Luminous exit signs are best for the organization immensely focuses on corporate sustainability strategies. Changing the exit path signs can reduce carbon emissions.

Lesser maintenance costs

Without the power dependency and requirement for batteries, using self-illuminating directional exit signs decreases the maintenance costs. Therefore, the requirement for replacement signs would be less, which would save the installation costs as well. In addition, photoluminescent exit signs help reduce the monitoring costs as well because they do not require the support of any electrical component.

Also, the hardwired exit signs require maintenance every six months, which is another expense that occurs twice a year. Whereas a self-illuminated sign just needs a wipe after every six months, which does not require the assistance of an electrician.

Less disruption

Regular replacement of the hardwired exit signs acts as a barrier to daily business processes like operations or customer service if required to be done during working hours, and it might be a load on the pocket if done after the working hours. 

The replacement process usually includes ladders or scissor lifts. Therefore, to avoid the cumbersome process of replacing the hardwired exit signs every now and then. It is better to install photoluminescent signs in the first place that offers the best quality, less disruption to the business, and reduce the risk for staff and customers.

Self-illuminating signs help reduce the risk of the workers or contractors working at heights when hardwired exit signs are replaced. Once applied, photoluminescent exit signs are not required to be replaced for one year. A half-yearly wipe with a microfibre duster is enough to keep the exit sign, up and running. No one needs to work at heights, especially for the self-illuminating exit signs.