July 2021
STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
TOPIC
Background
Use Cases
- What Code Says
Sales & Support Information
Chalk Talk
Overview
- How They Work
- Where These Devices Make Sense
- DualTech Hybrid Exit Signs
- The Product Lineup
- Photoluminescence Exit Signs
- The Product Lineup
- Drawbacks and Limitations
- Getting More Information
- Advantages and Disadvantages
What NFPA 101 Says About Photoluminescence
The face of a photoluminescent sign shall be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The illumination levels on the face of the photoluminescent sign shall be in accordance with its listing. The charging illumination shall be a reliable light source, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. The charging light source shall be of a type specified in the product markings.
7.10.7.2 Photoluminescent Signs
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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I. BACKGROUND
What NFPA 101 Says About Photoluminescence
- Type of Light Source (Incandescent, Fluorescent, LED, Halogen, etc.)
- Lights are not permitted to be dimmed
- Lights are not permitted to be on timers
What Constitutes a "Reliable Light Source"
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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I. BACKGROUND
Photoluminescent Exit Signs
- Phosphor impregnated plastics are injection molded into the shape of the "EXIT" legend
How Do They Work?
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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I. BACKGROUND
- The phosphor "discharges" energy in the form of photons when the incident light goes away
- The phosphor "stores" energy received from photons from the light source
- The phosphor "decays" at a rate that allows the sign to meet NFPA 101 /
UL 924 run times
- UL 924 is required to validate visibility and product marking
Photons excite the phosphor
Photons emitted when
energy decays
The Product Lineup
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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I. BACKGROUND
PH
Construction
View Distance
Light Source
Picture
PH100
PHL
PHP100
Model
Aluminum
Frameless
Thermoplastic
Frameless
50'
100'
100'
100'
Fluorescent / LED
Fluorescent / LED
Fluorescent / LED
LED
Advantages & Disadvantages
- Requires No Power
- Simple Mounting to Any Surface
- 25+ Year Service Life
- No Maintenance Requirements
Advantages
II. USE CASES
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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Disadvantages
- Strict requirements surrounding illumination source
- Requirements regarding illumination controls
- Only available with green letters
- Can have limited visible ratings (50')
Where Do These Devices Make Sense?
- Hard Masonry Walls
- "New" exits added into buildings
- Temporary/movable walls
- Glass walls without mullions
II. USE CASES
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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Provided you know you'll meet the other requirements...
Drawbacks & Limitations
Light Sources
II. USE CASES
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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- Need to dig out the IES file to figure it out
- Square law dimming means that you reduce light level by the square of the distance
- Ensuring the 5fc illumination levels can be difficult
- Not allowing for controls could also potentially run afoul of energy code requirements
- Many exits just aren't that close to "guaranteed on" lighting
- They don't match many interior spaces due to aesthetics
- Even when they do meet code, they have situations where they're not "charged" and ready to go
II. USE CASES
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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Self-Luminous Exit Signs
Product Benefits
Self Powered
Energy Efficient
(No Electrical Energy Used)
No Wiring
Maintenance Free
Temperature Proof
Vibration Proof
Waterproof
Explosion Proof
Phosphor Coated Tubes
Exit Sign Trays
The DualTech Hybrid Exit Sign
DTH & DTH2.0
II. USE CASES
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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- No maintenance required, ever
- 100' viewing distance
- Lifetime warranty
- Trades the "No AC Power Required" benefit to eliminate all external illumination requirements
- Also looks better than traditional photoluminescent signs
- Internal LEDs "charge" the photoluminescent material when AC power is available
- Product acts as a standard photoluminescent sign in emergency mode
The Product Lineup
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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III. SALES & SUPPORT INFORMATION
PH
Construction
View Distance
Light Source
Picture
PH100
PHL
PHP100
Model
Aluminum
Frameless
Thermoplastic
Frameless
50'
100'
100'
100'
Fluorescent / LED
Fluorescent / LED
Fluorescent / LED
LED
DTH2
All Aluminum
100'
Internal
Sales Materials
- Training Video Link (Public - For Agent Only)
- Sales Presentation PDF (Public - For Agent Sales Presentations)
- Spec Sheets & Drawings
Available on the Website
Available within Follow-up Sales Packet
III. SALES & SUPPORT INFORMATION
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Need Further Assistance?
Team of Experts
Schedule a Meeting or Webinar for Advanced Sales & Engineering Training
III. SALES & SUPPORT INFORMATION
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STEALING LIGHT, THE PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGN
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THANK YOU