•When purchasing new fixtures, try to select LED exit signs that have earned the Energy Star Label, assuring that the exit sign uses 5 watts or less, has a minimum 5-year warranty, and exceeds National Fire Protection Association standards.
•Heat emitted by incandescent bulbs can erode the wiring and add an unpleasing yellow hue on the casing of incandescent fixtures over time; therefore, consider replacing old exit signs with new LED fixtures instead of retrofit kits.
•Be careful when retrofitting existing fixtures with LED bulbs. Not all LED retrofit kits fit conventional exit signs.
•Factors to consider when purchasing new LED EXIT SIGNS include: color of sign (green or red), battery backup, location and placement, applicable state and local building codes, appropriate casing material for application, and number of faces (single or double).
Energy efficiency is a key criteria when selecting an exit sign, along with appearance, visibility, and readability. Illuminated exit signs are an important and legally required safety feature in your facility. In the case of an emergency such as a fire, their operation is critical in protecting the well being of your congregation’s members. By design, exit signs operate 24 hours per day, and can consume large amounts of energy to operate. Many exit signs in today’s buildings use older, incandescent and fluorescent/compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) technology. To make matters worse, many older exit signs require frequent maintenance due to the short life span of the lamps that light them. For example, many older exit signs consume over 350 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and cost $28 each annually to operate.