Lighting plays an important part throughout our lives —enhancing the atmosphere of a home or storefront, acting as the centerpiece of a room’s design, and even serving as a guide during emergency situations. In fact, emergency and exit lights are an essential —yet often overlooked— type of lighting that is in nearly every commercial building we occupy; office spaces, hospitals, schools and colleges, movie theaters, government properties, and more.
And while their use and relevance remain constant, there are actually some key differences between exit and emergency lights.
Learn all about the different types of emergency signs, such as wet location emergency lights, recessed emergency lighting, and thermoplastic exit signs, and discover more about when, where, and why each different lighting fixture is used.
What are Exit Signs?
Exit signs are signs that indicate the location of exits in a building. They are typically found in public buildings such as offices, schools, and hotels, and are designed to help people quickly and easily find their way out of the building in case of an emergency.
Exit signs typically include the word “EXIT” and may also include an arrow pointing in the direction of the exit. They are usually illuminated and are placed in prominent locations throughout the building, such as near stairwells and elevators.
The most common types of exit signs are:
- LED exit signs: These are energy efficient and have a long lifespan. They are also easy to install and maintain.
- Incandescent exit signs: These are traditional exit signs that use incandescent bulbs. They are relatively inexpensive but not as energy efficient as LED signs.
- Photoluminescent exit signs: These signs use a special material that glows in the dark after being exposed to light. They do not require electricity and are often used in areas where power outages are likely.
- Combination exit signs: These signs combine the features of LED and emergency lighting in one unit. They are often used in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Custom exit signs: These signs are designed to meet specific requirements, such as bilingual or braille options.
What are Emergency Lights?
Emergency lights are lighting fixtures that are designed to turn on automatically in case of a power outage or other emergency situation. They are typically found in public buildings such as offices, schools, and hotels, and are designed to provide illumination for people to safely evacuate the building.
Emergency lights can be battery-operated or have a generator as a power source. They are usually found in combination with Exit signs and are placed in prominent locations throughout the building, such as near stairwells and elevators. They are also required to have a certain level of illumination and duration of illumination by the building code.
The most common types of emergency lights are:
- LED emergency lights: These are energy efficient and have a long lifespan. They are also easy to install and maintain.
- Incandescent emergency lights: These are traditional emergency lights that use incandescent bulbs. They are relatively inexpensive but not as energy efficient as LED lights.
- Self-contained emergency lights: These lights have a built-in battery and inverter, making them independent of the building’s electrical power. They are often used in locations where power outages are likely.
- Central battery emergency lights: These lights are connected to a central battery pack, which powers multiple emergency lights in a building. They are often used in large commercial or industrial buildings.
- Remote head emergency lights: These lights have a separate head and battery, which can be placed in a location that is more visible. They are often used in buildings with high ceilings or difficult-to-reach areas.
What makes Emergency Lights and Exit Signs Different?
In summary, Exit signs help people find their way out of the building and emergency lights provide light for safe evacuation in case of power failure.
Why The Difference Between Exit Signs & Emergency Lights Is Important
On the surface, the differences between each unique type of exit or emergency light might seem negligible to you —however, taking the time to understand the different situations each lighting fixture is best suited is essential. It is essential to have well-functioning, high-quality exit signs specifically designed to illuminate exits during emergency situations. Understanding the uniques benefits of each emergency fixture can help you decide which exit light to install in your own building.
If your home, business, or building requires lighting of any kind, emergency or otherwise, it is crucial to partner with a professional lighting company. At Lighting and Supplies, we currently offer over 7,00 different options of exit lights —with that many choices available, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect lighting fixture to suit your situation. Select from top brands, such as Big Beam Emergency Lighting, for high-quality, highly durable exit lighting that can handle even the most extreme emergency situations
Most Common Types of Exit Signs & Emergency Lights
Thermoplastic Exit Signs
Made from thermoplastic and illuminated by LEDs, thermoplastic exit signs are a sturdy and reliable choice. These commercial fixtures are most often seen as red and green emergency signs and are able to withstand high temperatures. Thermoplastic exit signs are typically shaped like a white rectangle and mounted on a wall on either the top or side of the fixture.
Affordable and able to last up to 5-years or longer, thermoplastic exit signs are an exceedingly popular choice due to the number of benefits they offer. Installation of thermoplastic exit signs is easy, the price is inexpensive, and the lights use less than 5 watts of electricity. Whenever you visit a commercial location, such as a bowling alley or movie theater, keep your eyes peeled for the signature red and green emergency signs.
Recessed Emergency Lighting
Recessed emergency lighting is an excellent choice of lighting fixture due to its flushed appearance that pair both aesthetics and safety. Compared to thermoplastic exit signs, which focus on displaying words and hang on the walls, recessed emergency lighting is intended to highlight potential escape routes, rather than the exit itself. These fixtures are most often installed directly into walls or flooring and can be hidden into the design of the building. Recessed emergency lighting is a popular type of emergency lighting used in locations where interior design is prioritized, such as in high-class retail spots, among other places.
Wet Location Emergency Lights
It is essential that emergency lights remain functional at all times, even in situations with extreme weather. While the functionality of some lighting fixtures may decrease, or even outright stop working, in areas with lots of moisture, wet location emergency lights can continue to function even in these challenging circumstances. These highly durable wet location emergency lights are best suited to surviving in outdoor locations and can resist corrosion. One of the best choices for outdoor lighting is the NEMA 4X exit signs, which are highly rated and offer a variety of different benefits. We’ll take a closer look at NEMA 4X exit signs, next.
NEMA 4X Exit signs
As previously mentioned, NEMA exit signs are an excellent choice of wet location emergency lights; however, NEMA 4X exit signs offer a number of other distinct features that make these lights distinct from other types of emergency lights. Not only are NEMA 4X exit signs waterproof and rated for wet and outdoor locations, they also are constructed of corrosion-resistant plastic. Silicone sealed to protect the inside from outdoor elements, NEMA 4X exit signs are also equipped with batteries and emergency backup power options. If you’re looking for durable and waterproof emergency exits, you can easily browse NEMA 4X exit sign fixtures, here.
Learning about Exit Signs and Emergency Lights
Carefully understanding the differences and unique benefits that each type of distinct emergency or exit light offers is crucial for building owners of all backgrounds. Each light, whether it be a NEMA 4x exit sign or a thermoplastic exit sign, offers unique advantages in emergency situations. By learning the difference, you can easily select the best emergency light for your specific necessities.
When it comes to high-quality lighting, Lighting and Supplies works with the top brands to offer customers only the best products for their commercial or residential properties. Select your perfect lighting fixture from us, and reach out to our lighting experts today!
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