U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyFederal Energy Management Program – Energy-Efficient ProductsHow to Buy an Energy-Efficient Exit Sign
Information about energy-efficient exit signs in this section includes the following:
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a Including built-in back-up power.
a Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted value of annual energy costs, based on constant usage and an assumed exit sign life of 10 years. Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.0% are based on federal guidelines (effective from April 2004 to March 2005). Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: The Base Model in this example uses two 13-watt CFLs, the Recommended Level sign uses a 5-watt LED array while the Best Available product uses PL technology, which has limited applications (see below). Usage assumption: Constant use or 8760 operating hours per year. Assumed electricity price: $0.06/kWh, the federal average electricity price in the U.S. The calculations are for energy cost savings only and do not include lamp replacement or labor costs. If lamp replacement and labor costs are included, the savings will be significantly greater. Where to Find Energy-Efficient Exit SignsEnergy-efficient exit signs are available from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and General Services Administration (GSA). DLA sells exit signs through its electronic Energy Efficient Lighting catalog, and online through DoD EMall. GSA offers them through the Multiple Awards Schedule program as well as through its on-line shopping network, GSA Advantage! Select exit signs that meet the recommended power consumption level. Both DLA and GSA sell retrofit kits, which allow conversion of existing exit signs to energy-efficient models. For exit signs purchased through commercial sources, look for products with the ENERGY STAR® label, all of which meet this Recommendation. For contractor-supplied exit signs, specify products with the ENERGY STAR® label or that meet the recommended power consumption level. Buyer TipsElectrically powered exit signs use either incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) arrays as light sources. Most LED and some CFL exit signs meet this Recommendation. Due to their low power draw, LED exit signs can be purchased with built-in back-up power supplies (i.e., batteries). With an estimated service life of 10 years or more, LEDs require significantly fewer lamp replacements than exit signs equipped with either incandescents or CFLs. Non-electrically powered photoluminescent (PL) exit signs utilize a glow-in-the-dark material to provide illumination. While PL exit signs do not require a direct connection to a source of electrical power to operate, they must be charged by another light source in order to function properly. Therefore, PL exit signs are not suitable for all applications. In locations with proper charging sources, PL exit signs can have an unlimited service life. To ensure reliability, ENERGY STAR® requires that manufacturers replace defective parts for at least five years from date of purchase and that labled products be UL 924 listed. Be sure to check state or local codes before selecting exit signs. Exit signs that utilize incandescent light bulbs should not be purchased by federal agencies. In federal buildings where they are still in use, facility managers should replace them immediately. In some locations, it may even be cost effective to replace exit signs that use CFLs with those that use LEDs or PLs (see Cost-Effectiveness Example). RetrofitsRetrofitting existing exit signs may be more economical than replacing them, but proper installation is vital to ensuring adequate visibility. The ENERGY STAR® program does not cover retrofit kits. For More Information
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