The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 46-2009 Photoluminescent Exit Signage—Factual Review.

This new white paper, produced by NEMA’s Emergency Lighting Section, describes concerns regarding the marketing and application recommendations common to photoluminescent exit signage in the U.S. and Canada. The section seeks to educate potential users as to the drawbacks and realities of installing, retrofitting with, and relying upon this type of emergency equipment.

“As an industry, we are very concerned about potentially misleading advertising claims about the installation, operation, and performance of photoluminescent exit signage,” said Eric Bailey, chairman of the Emergency Lighting Section, and senior mechanical and CAD systems engineer at Philips Lighting, BU Professional Luminaires. “Since these products are intended for use in emergencies, we find it imperative to open this discussion so that end users and inspectors can have the information necessary to effectively meet their safety needs and existing life safety regulations.”

LSD 46 reviews potentially erroneous claims for the signage, such as those that mention “no electricity consumption,” “no maintenance,” and “exit signs illuminate for hours without charging.” Additional topics include safety, test methods for luminance levels, energy consumption, and enforceability in the field.

 LSD 46 may be downloaded at no charge by visiting www.nema.org/stds/lsd46.cfm.