Nuclear Exit Signs

Nuclear exit signs are also known as self-luminous exit signs, tritium exit signs, and non-electrical exit signs. These signs are the most widely applicable exit sign to date because they do not require electricity (such as LED exit signs) or ambient light (such as photoluminescent exit signs). So, they can be installed virtually anywhere in minutes with the included hardware. These signs have become more popular because of their applicability, longevity, and maintenance free construction.

Although the world “nuclear” might make you feel as if there is some type of danger associated with this type of exit sign that is completely false. The term “nuclear” simply describes the type of chemical reaction that occurs within the sign to enable its self-luminous capabilities.

For new construction nuclear exit signs can save the cost of running dedicated conduit to electrical exit signs, which for medium to large construction projects can mean thousands of dollars in savings. For projects such as renovations that include installing exit signs where there currently is no conduit, nuclear exit signs are a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and code compliant alternative to electrical exit signs. Nuclear exit signs are perfect for complying with California’s low-level exit sign law for commercial construction and renovation projects.

Nuclear exit signs use tritium gas, enclosed in shatterproof borosilicate glass tubes, which decay over time and release electrons. The released electrons interact with a phosphor compound coating on the inside of the glass tubes and this interaction results in the emitting of photons, or light. This is what makes the sign visible with no need for electricity or ambient light. The tubes are enclosed by an impact resistant polycarbonate shield with thermoplastic housing. The amount of tritium enclosed in the tubes determines the service life of the exit sign. The more tritium, the longer the sign will glow for.

Greentorch offers two models of nuclear exit signs. Both nuclear exit sign models are offered with service lives of 10, 15, and 20 years. The SLX series is UL listed to a 100-foot viewing distance, features a thermoplastic mounting bracket, and is slight smaller in dimensions than the SLE. The SLE is UL listed to a 125-foot viewing distance and comes with an aluminum mounting bracket. Nuclear exit signs from Greentorch are code compliant throughout North America.

Click here to see the SLE Tritium exit sign product page.

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