Exit signs are a fundamental part of building safety. They not only help the public find their way around buildings easily, but they also help the building’s visitors find their way out more quickly in case of emergency. It is vital that exit signs be highly visible and easy to find. At the same time, it is important that the signs used in any given building fit the overall aesthetic desired by the designer. People want the buildings they visit to be both visually pleasing and easy to navigate. Edge lit exit signs help designers create buildings that meet both needs.

Edge lit exit signs are clear or opaque, LED lit signs with either green or red lettering. Some edge lit exit sign designs are single faced, meaning that they can be read from only one side. Others are double faced, meaning that they can be read from either side. They are available in more traditional designs and models that meet New York’s stringent emergency lighting standards. The power source is located at the top edge of the sign. That’s why they’re called “edge lit” exit signs.
Edge lit exit signs are compact and low profile, fitting seamlessly into any building design aesthetic. Because the directional arrows can be applied in the field, there are greater placement options. They provide constant and consistent illumination, which makes them an effective choice for exit lighting. Edge lit exit signs are also energy efficient, with many models consuming less than 3 watts for AC units and less than 5 watts for battery backup units. Edge lit exit signs make good design sense, which makes them an excellent choice for any designer. They’re also a snap to install and easily maintained. Energy efficiency makes edge lit exit signs cost effective. When creating a building that will ultimately contain several exit signs, the energy efficiency of even a single sign can make a major difference as far as electricity usage is concerned. Of course, the best test of an exit sign is its ability to improve the safety of a public building. Edge lit exit signs are available in styles that meet all emergency safety code regulations, and their brightness and consistency make them dependable in an emergency evacuation situation. When a designer is looking for an unobtrusive and attractive exit sign that increases building safety at the same time, an edge lit exit sign is an excellent choice.
Light Emitting Diodes, or LEDs, are bright and efficient. They’re popular for use in a variety of capacities including car headlights because they provide such clear and illuminating light. When compared to more traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights, LED lights are the better choice. They are more durable and damage-resistant, and they provide steady, consistent and strong illumination, never flickering. Perhaps the most glaring difference between LED lights and their more traditional competitors is that they’re much more energy efficient. They can provide more light using far less energy than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. This makes LED lights perfect for use in public building exit signs. Safety is every building designer’s number one concern, but finding an exit sign that provides both satisfactory illumination and energy efficiency is key. Today’s public buildings are getting bigger, and this means an even greater number of exit signs. Each one of those signs requires electricity, and that can add up to big bills if designers aren’t savvy about the exit sign choices they make. Still, it’s essential that designers not skimp on the brightness, reliability and durability of their illuminated emergency exit signs.