Considerations When Purchasing Exit Signs

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Finding the right sign to meet your needs is on the surface a simple task. However, there are several key factors within certain designs that can save you money on energy costs for years to come. Knowing which signs are best suited for your needs can unlock these hidden savings.

Incandescent bulbs versus LED

It is estimated that nearly 80% of exit signs within the US use incandescent bulbs.
LED technology is relatively new compared to the incandescent. LED bulbs are longer lasting and consume much less energy. Signs with incandescent bulbs are generally less expensive at the initial purchase due to the maturity of the technology and availability of manufactures for components. The total cost to power an incandescent fixture is significantly greater especially compared over the life span of the unit due to the bulbs needing replacement more often than LED and the additional power consumption. A typical sign requires two bulbs which are rated between 15 and 25 watts each, for a total wattage of 30-50 watts where as an LED bulb consumes between 1-5 watts depending on the color. (White, Red or Green). LEDs can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, though most are rated for 25 years. The prices for LED versions continue to drop as more manufacturers, particularly foreign, continue enter the marketplace. At this time, there is not a significant difference between the pricing of incandescent and LED which is why we would caution you that certain retail chains are offering inferior incandescent sign models for extremely inflated prices. One example we recently came across was a red incandescent sign which exceeded the $100.00 mark. The sign had all the same specs and design markings of an LED sign, with the exception of the lighting technology. That fact is that most consumers don't know the difference and just assume that the store is selling the best products. So this covers the two most widely used bulbs within exit signs, there are others available such as fluorescent, and cold cathode but their usages are minimal in comparison. Next we will cover signs that don't use hard-wired electricity such as tritium or photoluminescent.

Look Ma' no wires!
Electrical versus Non-Electrical Signs - Tritium and Photoluminescent