LED Exit Signs

Exit signs are the most important part of evacuation during the emergency. Earlier these signs were made out of metals and illuminated by fluorescent lights. Now a days, LED exit signs are very popular. LED exit signs have strings of small red or green LEDs (light-emitting diode) arranged in circles or above and below the exit signs. They are perfect for homes and offices. They are efficient, cheap and non-polluting.

The LED signs usually come in two colors; red and green. These signs usually use low-powered LEDs. Most LED exit signs are compatible either with 120 volt or 270 volt power. Other variations are also available in the market. There are some LED signs, which can operate on both voltages. Many LED exit signs come with battery back-up. Some companies offer it as an option. Battery back-up is very important; as during an emergency, there are chances of power failure. If you want emergency lighting, you can even combine an emergency lighting with an LED exit sign.

Advantages over Other Exit Signs
LED exit signs are more efficient than any other signs. The CFL exit signs contain narrow tubular lamps which contain gases. When electricity passes through these gases, a chemical reaction takes place which produces the light. The CFL loses 80% of its energy as heat. The LED signs emit light in the most effective way. The tiny LEDs are illuminated because of the movement of electrons through the semi-conducting material. The small amount of heat which is produced is transferred back into a heat sink. Because of this reason, these signs do not get heated up like CFLs.

The LEDs emit light only in a specific direction, while other light sources, like incandescent signs, emit light and heat in all direction. Thus the LED uses energy more efficiently. Their light output is also constant over the time. This will show up in your electricity bills. They cost around $4 annually, while the annual cost of a CFL may reach upto $11. The LED exit signs have low-maintenance as compared to others. If you use an incandescent lamp, it will last only for 2-3 months, a CFL lamp will only last for 11 months, but LEDs will last for more than 10 years. They generally come with a warranty for 5 years. When they are switched off, they don't draw power like other exit signs. This is a perfect 'win-win' situation.

They are also very eco-friendly. They emit only 72 pounds of carbon-dioxide annually, where as incandescent lamps emit upto 574 pounds of Carbon Dioxide. On selecting an LED exit sign, you don't have to make any compromise with the quality. They illuminate 5 times brighter than any other exit sign. The cost of replacement and energy make CFL and incandescent exit signs much more costly, than LED exit signs.

What I have listed above are the reasons why LED exit signs are preferred over other exit signs. They are versatile, efficient, cheap and require low maintenance. They fit in perfectly in the definition of 'invention at its best'.