ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Exit signs?

Regarding the Exit Signage at "Knee Levels" (between +12" and 24" A.F.F.):

This has been a requirement in City of Los Angeles + County of Los Angeles for a long time, possibly since 1984, when the First Interstate Bank high rise Building in Downtown L.A. had a "Record Making" Fire.

That event started a completely new era for Design criteria all around, due to the numerous things which took place - vs - what could have been done originally to prevent it (I can go into details if anyone wants).

One of the requirements for Egress Signage (Exit Signs), was to include "Low Level" Signage at each Exit Doorway (exiting the Building) - one on each side of the Doorway.

The signage could be either Electrically Powered, or the "Nuclear" Signage (Self-Illuminated Exit Signs - these contain a Radioactive Element, it's either Cerium or Ytterbium...or...???)

Requirements for this Additional Signage is only in:

* Places of Assembly - single story and up,

* Health Care / Hospital / Convalescent Care - single story and up,

* "High Rise" Commercial &/or Residential - 4 stories and up.

Navy puts exit signs knee high. Of course, they also train every sailor as a firefighter, and drill them constantly, so it's a little bit of a different situation...

Scott the "nuclear" exit signs contain tritium the same as most self luminous watches and pistol/rifle sights.

Next time the customer complains about the cost you'll be able to tell him that gram for gram it is the most expensive element you can buy....multiple times more than platinum even.

As a matter of fact the U.S. government cites costs between $24,000.00 and $30,000.00 per gram for thier defense project uses of it....

Of course it is less on the free market, but not all that less....