Best Solar-Powered Exit Signs and Alternatives
Choosing a reliable exit sign for safety and compliance is essential in commercial spaces. This guide focuses on solar-adjacent options, including photoluminescent and battery-backed signs, that reduce wiring needs while providing dependable visibility during outages or low-light conditions. Below are five relevant products with features, installation notes, and practical considerations to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| TANLUX Red Exit Sign With Emergency Lights (1 Pack) | TANLUX | Battery-backup LED exit sign |
| TANLUX Red Exit Sign With Emergency Lights (2 Pack) | TANLUX | Battery-backup LED exit sign |
| FREELICHT 6 Pack Red Exit Signs With Emergency Lights | FREELICHT | UL-listed, battery-backed |
| LFI Lights UL 924 Photoluminescent Exit Sign | Light Fixture Industries | Photoluminescent, no power needed |
| SASELUX Glow In The Dark Exit Sign 2 Pack | SASELUX | Photoluminescent, adhesive backing |
TANLUX Red Exit Sign With Emergency Lights (1 Pack)
US standard construction uses Injection-molded thermoplastic with UL-94V-0 flame retardant housing. The red EXIT LED is highly visible from up to 100 feet, serving as a critical emergency warning device. The built-in Ni-Cd 3.6V battery provides at least 90 minutes of operation during outages. It operates on 120V-277V AC for versatile installations and includes three mounting options: top, side, and back mounts with canopy. All mounting parts are inside the housing for easy setup. This makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor general use in commercial settings.
TANLUX Red Exit Sign With Emergency Lights (2 Pack)
This two-pack mirrors the single-pack design with UL-listed construction and universal voltage compatibility (120V-277V). It provides the same bright red EXIT indicator, emergency LED lighting, and a minimum 90-minute battery backup. The 2-pack option is ideal for larger facilities needing synchronized emergency lighting or signage in multiple locations. Installation remains straightforward with multiple mounting options and included hardware stored in the housing.
FREELICHT 6 Pack Red Exit Signs With Emergency Lights
FREELICHT offers a six-pack of exit signs with battery backup, designed for high-occupancy facilities. The injection-molded thermoplastic housing provides 5VA flame retardancy and high impact resistance, ensuring continued operation during emergencies. The built-in Ni-Cd battery supports at least 90 minutes of emergency lighting during power outages. Flexible installation options include ceiling and back mounting, making it suitable for various commercial configurations. The package ships with the necessary hardware and allows broad placement across large spaces.
LFI Lights UL 924 Photoluminescent Exit Sign
This product uses photoluminescent technology to glow in the dark, requiring no electricity or batteries. It meets UL 924 standards and is designed for 50-foot visibility in accordance with life-safety codes. The sign is wall-mounted with a rigid plastic housing and offers durability for wet locations and exposure to temperature ranges. It charges under ambient light and provides more than 90 minutes of emergency illumination when needed, making it a compelling option for areas where wiring or battery maintenance is challenging.
SASELUX Glow In The Dark Exit Sign 2 Pack
SASELUX offers two-pack photoluminescent exit signs with adhesive backing for easy placement. The signs glow in low light without power, charging from ambient light to provide visibility for up to 8 hours in darkness. The waterproof, tear-resistant vinyl is UV-protected, making these signs durable for indoor and sheltered outdoor use. They are designed to be quick to install with an adhesive backing, though they do not include pre-punched holes. Charge them with daylight or artificial light to ensure ready illumination during outages.
Buying Guide
- Power source and reliability: Battery-backed signs provide illumination during outages, while photoluminescent signs rely on ambient light to glow in darkness. Consider the building’s electrical layout and outage history when choosing.
- Visibility and placement: Look for high-contrast lettering (red EXIT on white or black backgrounds) and enough brightness or glow duration to guide occupants to safety in low-light conditions.
- Compliance and standards: Check UL listings (UL 924 for photoluminescent, UL-listed for electrical signs) and local fire codes to ensure the product meets required safety standards.
- Installation options: Decide between ceiling, top, side, or back mounting. Ensure mounting hardware is included and suitable for indoor or outdoor use as needed.
- Durability and environment: For outdoor or high-traffic areas, choose signs with weather resistance, UV protection, and impact resistance. Photoluminescent options should have long charge lifespans and minimal degradation.
- Maintenance: Battery-backed signs require periodic checks of battery health; photoluminescent signs require light exposure for charging. Factor in maintenance schedules and accessibility when planning placement.
- Cost and scalability: If you need coverage in multiple zones, consider multi-pack options or signs with similar mounting profiles to simplify procurement and installation.
- Aesthetics and legibility: Ensure sign styles match interior design while maintaining clear legibility under various lighting conditions. Consistency across locations improves wayfinding.