The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has published EM 1-2010 Exit Sign Visibility Testing Requirements for Safety and Energy Efficiency. The standard, last published in 2007, was produced by NEMA’s Emergency Lighting Section.

EM 1 establishes a high performance category for internally illuminated exit signs that goes beyond former ENERGY STAR® requirements and existing CSA and UL standards for those products. This standard forms the basis of the emerging NEMA Premium Exit Sign program. The program, like the standard, will be based on performance, rather than simply energy efficiency.

“Exit signs are one of many lighting installations facility managers can look to in the quest to reduce energy costs, so long as changes do not come at the expense of life safety,” said Eric Bailey of Philips Lighting, chair of the Emergency Lighting Section. “EM 1-2010 provides the visibility and energy-efficiency requirements that signs must meet to qualify as NEMA Premium products. By focusing on visual performance, this program goes beyond energy efficiency, and will recognize the highest performing exit sign products on the market.”

The contents and scope of EM 1 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased for $69, by visiting www.nema.org/stds/em1.cfm, or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or global.ihs.com.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.