lumaexit

NCC Compliance and PL Exit Signs

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:38:42 GMT

The requirements for Photoluminescent Exit Signs (PL Signs) are dealt with under specific on E4.8 of the NCC (formerly the BCA).

This specification covers the Application, Illumination, Pictorial elements, Viewing distance and Smoke control systems as required for photoluminescent exit signs.

We have compiled a technical FAQ sheet of the Luma Exit PL products . Excerpts of each section has been listed and responded to, as well as other important technical questions that are relevant from other areas of the NCC and AS2293 standard.

This technical guide is intended to respond to each requirement and how it is met by Lumasign PL signs and what restrictions apply, if any.

Cost of Solar vs Conventional Street Lighting

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:42:28 GMT

Installation of traditional street lighting means having to access the electrical grid.

For new developments and/or upgrades to unsightly above ground powerline areas, or where additional lighting is required, this means trenching and underground wiring.

This is a process that is lengthy, expensive, and creates inconvenience to surrounding neighbours, commuters and road users.

In fact, the costs associated with underground wiring, on-site transformers and electrical enclosures are often more than simply installing solar street lights.

Whether installing new solar lighting to previously poorly or unlit areas, or converting traditional street lights to solar street lighting systems, you eliminate the ongoing increasing costs of electricity.

Further, you never have the iss ues created by blackouts or brownouts to the power grid – you will always have light at night!

You can see the savings in this simple grid below, which is an example of a 2 kilometre stretch of road based on typical costs for ideal soil conditions {for trenching} {note that rates for trenching will be higher in locations that have difficult soil conditions}.

What Are Photoluminescent Signs?

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:29:02 GMT

Photoluminescence is the process of absorption of ultra violet energy from surrounding light sources.

This process creates a stored energy, like a battery.

When required, it releases the stored energy in the form of visible light.

Photoluminescent (PL) signs contain material with this property. PL signs perform the same role that traditional exit signs perform, as they are an approved alternative under the NCC/BCA to the traditional battery containing emergency exit sign design.

However, the significant difference is that PL signs provide building owners a more energy efficient, longer lasting and minimal maintenance option.

PL signs require no Lithium Battery Back Up, which ensures less Lithium Batteries being dumped into landfill. W hen traditional exit signs fail, and are simply removed and thrown in the rubbish.

No battery means no battery discharge test as part of 6 monthly fire safety compliance procedures as per AS2293.

In addition, traditional battery backed-up exit signs are made of plastics and acrylics, which as we know, don’t break down when dumped into landfill upon failing. PL Exit Signs and brackets are made from steel and aluminium, and in the unlikely event of ever ending up in landfill, will corrode and break down.

Luma Exit PL Exit Signs with LED Bracket are also up to 90% more energy efficient than a fluorescent Exit Sign, and 40% more efficient than an LED Exit Sign.

These are just some of the reasons that Photoluminescent signs are revolutionising the emergency lighting industry.

To find out more, read our case study here or contact us to request pricing or technical specifications documentation.