|
|
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. |
