Heads up: photoluminescent exit signs and LED lighting

[Yikes]

I have an old project where the original photoluminescent exit signs are no longer keeping their 90 minute illumination requirement, so they did not pass annual fire department inspection. The signs did have a label saying they complied with UL 924, and the original manufacturer had an ICC report at time of installation.

Upon further investigation, it appears that the owner had recently retrofitted the hallway lighting from fluorescent to LED. The new LED do not put out as much of the UV light spectrum energy, so the photoluminescent material in the signs is no longer fully charging.

File this one under "unintended consequences".

 

[RLGA]

Oops! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[RLGA]

I found this on one manufacturer's website:

"UL 924 requires that the photoluminescent sign face be exposed for 60 minutes to 54 lux of fluorescent, metal halide, or mercury light to fully 'charge' the sign."
​

I'm looking through UL 924 now to see if there's any more specific information.

 

[RLGA]

Per UL 924, LEDs are permitted; however, the sign must be marked for the type of lighting used. Therefore, if the sign was not tested for LED lighting, it cannot be used with LED lighting.

Check the markings to see if it says "Min 5 fc LED light on sign face at all times of building occupancy." If it does not, then the signs need to be changed out for those that are tested with LED lighting.

 

[TheCommish]

and this is why I am a sawhorse supporter, so I will file this tidbit in my memory bank and look smart one day

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I will file this tidbit in my memory bank and look smart one day

I was thinking the same thing!

 

[my250r11]

I was thinking the same thing!

Me 3!!

 

[Enri Code]

I have an old project where the original photoluminescent exit signs are no longer keeping their 90 minute illumination requirement, so they did not pass annual fire department inspection. The signs did have a label saying they complied with UL 924, and the original manufacturer had an ICC report at time of installation.

Upon further investigation, it appears that the owner had recently retrofitted the hallway lighting from fluorescent to LED. The new LED do not put out as much of the UV light spectrum energy, so the photoluminescent material in the signs is no longer fully charging.

File this one under "unintended consequences".

Lesson learned. Thanks for sharing.