Photoluminescent

 (PL)

Light Emitting Diode
(LED)

Tritium
 (Nuclear Powered)

Cost Range for  single sided sign

$50 - $200

$45 - $290

$175 - $225

Average
Installed Cost

$110

$225

$195

Average 10 Yr Total Cost of Ownership

$110

$500

$367

Sign Life

20 years +

5 - 20 years

12 to 20 years

Safety

Failsafe no power needed Stores energy for a minimum of twelve hours

Not effective if batteries and bulbs not working, or if emergency generator fails.

Powered by radioactive tritium decay. Banned by US Military and many schools, companies. 

Cost Considerations

Low installation and operating costs = most cost effective technology available.

No electrical wiring. No direct energy use.

Most expensive exit sign type to install and operate. Requires electrical wiring and direct energy use. 

Expensive purchase and disposal costs.

No electrical wiring.

No direct energy use.

Sustainability Issues

Non-toxic materials.

Non-radioactive

Recyclable.

Non-electrical.

Circuit boards and batteries are hazardous wastes.

Greenhouse gases released from producing electricity used to power signs.

Significant radioactivity issues with fabrication and operation.

Not-recyclable.

Overview

Energy Star listed.

“Best Available Technology” [US Dept of Energy FEMP]

Safer, less expensive and sustainable.

Architecturally Attractive

Energy Star listed.

Big improvement over older electric signs but adverse safety, cost and disposal issues.

Architecturally Attractive.

Easy to install but expensive to buy and dispose of.

Radioactivity marginalizes use in “sustainable” projects.

Industrial look.