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

The white paper was produced by NEMA’s emergency lighting section and
describes concerns regarding the marketing and application
recommendations common to photoluminescent exit signage in Canada and
the U.S. It 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 electricity consumption, maintenance and exit signs
that 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 HERE or by visiting the company’s website.