Exit signs and emergency lights are an integral component of all commercial buildings. While not always used daily, they are one of the most important tools in power outages and emergencies, by providing lighting and quick visual access to the exits. There are many types of exit signs and emergency lights. The required style, number of fixtures and their placement may be designated by local and state laws, so it is very important to consult with a licensed electrician before purchasing and installation. There are also a few questions to ask to ensure you have the best fit for your application.

The first step is to decide what kind of signs you need. There are three main types of signs that serve slightly different functions. In addition to traditional exit signs, there are also signs that read "STAIR".

Standard Exit Signs
The first option is the standard exit sign. These signs can be single- or double-faced and they can be wall- or ceiling-mounted. There are options for:
• White Exit Signs with Red Letters
• Black Exit Signs with Red Letters
• White Exit Signs with Green Letters
​• Black Exit Signs with Green Letters

Exit Sign and Emergency Light Combination Fixtures
The second kind are exit and emergency combination fixtures. These signs provide the word “EXIT” in red or green along with emergency lights. The emergency lights provide illumination in the event of a power failure.

Emergency Lights
Finally, there are standard emergency lights. These lights provide illumination in the event of a power failure, but do not include the word “EXIT”. Emergency lights are available in single- or dual-head and in some instances, triple-head. Remote heads are also available to pair with remote capable signs. They do not have an internal power supply and are powered by the battery in the device used. 

​Remember to reference local and state codes for the required number and placement of signs, including standards for hallways, corridors, stairways and fire escapes.

Thermoplastic:
Most exit signs are made of thermoplastic. This is ideal because thermoplastic is very durable and can withstand higher temperatures. These signs are favored by contractors as many come with options for ceiling- or wall-mounting, can be 1- or 2-sided and offer a choice for arrows that can be punched out. This makes them a versatile choice for offices, government buildings, hospitals and other large establishments.

​Aluminum:
Aluminum is another popular option and is often paired with acrylic panels. These edge-lit exit signs are durable and offer a sleek design that gives a transparent and floating effect. They can be seen in bars, restaurants, malls and other areas where the aesthetic of the sign is important.

​It is also important to understand the battery contained in the sign. Many signs use the NiCd or NiCad (nickel-cadmium) battery, which is a type of rechargeable battery. These are robust batteries with a long life and a good choice for working in hot and cold weather and other extreme environments.

​Some codes to be aware of when shopping for exit and emergency lighting are UL924, NFPA101 Life Safety Code, NEC and OSHA in addition to local and state codes.

UL 924
​This rating means that the product has undergone UL tests and is certified to meet functionality, visibility and reliability standards.

NFPA101 Life Safety Code
​This code covers minimum requirements for design, construction and maintenance that will protect occupants from danger caused by fire and related hazards. This widely adopted code is currently used in every U.S. state.

NEC
The NEC or National Electrical Code determines requirements for the safe installation of electrical wiring.

OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards are methods that employers must use to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for their employees.

Tile 20 regulations, Certified to CEC
These regulations set minimum energy efficiency levels for products. This is required for the sale of items in California.

There are also some cities and areas that require very specific standards for exit signs and emergency lights. Two listed below are Chicago and New York.

City of Chicago Approved Exit Signs
​ 
Some requirements for Chicago Approved Exit Signs are below. (Reference the full code)

• Signs must be rectangular with flat plastic or glass faces and constructed of 20 U.S. gauge sheet metal.
• Signs must be internally illuminated and provide lighting intensity equivalent to a 10 Watt incandescent bulb or brighter.
• Signs must contain the word “EXIT” and indicate the direction of the exit with a horizontal arrow. The arrow must be a half inch wide and as long as the lettering.
• The lettering must be in red on a white background with block letters at least 3-3/8” high with a 9/16” stroke.
• Every exit, stairway and fire escape sign shall bear the words “EXIT”, “STAIRWAY” and “FIRE ESCAPE”, respectively, in block letters at least 4-1/2” inches high with a 9/16” stroke.

City of New York Approved Exit Signs

Some requirements for New York Approved Exit Signs are below. (Reference the full code)

• Exit signs should read only "EXIT" and should be of the externally lighted, internally lighted, or electroluminescent type, except that they may be non-illuminated in buildings not provided with artificial lighting.
• For internally lighted signs, the average initial brightness of the letters shall be at least 25 Foot Lamberts.
• The letters of exit sign should be red.
• The background of externally lighted signs should be white.
• The background of internally lighted signs should be either stenciled metal with a light gray or white color, or translucent frosted, opal glass, slow-burning plastic, or the plastic edge-glow type with white plastic separators.
• The letters should be block lettering at least 4.5" high with a 9/16" stroke, except in buildings and spaces classified in occupancy group F and J-1, where they should be at least 8" high with a stroke at least 3/4" wide.

​Standard Light Bulbs
On a basic level, most incandescent or CFL medium-based bulbs that you’d find in common lamps, floor lights or vanities can be removed and replaced directly with LED bulbs. These bulbs use different technologies to create light, but because LED bulbs contain their own internal driver, no additional accessories are needed. Many lamps have a maximum wattage that should not be exceeded, which is not typically a concern since LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light as incandescent, halogen or CFL bulbs, while using much less wattage. LEDs are much more efficient than other technologies and last longer, which saves a lot of money and energy over time.

​​Fixtures with Tubes
When upgrading a light fixture, there are more options and often additional steps. Troffers and ceiling fixtures are common in all types of buildings and have generally used fluorescent tubes in the past. Today there are fixtures that contain tubes and also fixtures that contain integrated LED lighting. Starting with tubes, it is not always possible to simply swap out the fluorescent tubes for LED tubes and there are three main types of tubes to consider.

Type A LED Tubes
Type A LED tubes contain an LED driver that is able to use a ballast for power and often can work with the ballast that is currently in the fixture. These are sometimes called ballast compatible or plug-and-play tubes.

​Type B LED Tubes
Type B LED tubes, often called ballast bypass, will not work with a ballast and will need to be directly wired to the power source. These tubes contain their own integrated driver.
 
Type A and B LED Tubes
There are also type A and B tubes, which can potentially work both ways, either using the fixture’s existing ballast or rewiring the fixture directly to the power source and utilizing the internal driver in the tube.
 
Type C LED Tubes
A final option are type C LED tubes. These tubes use a remote driver, instead of the internal driver, similarly to how the fluorescent tube uses the ballast. Type C tubes can provide additional functionality, like dimming.

Fixtures with Metal Halide Bulbs
Fixtures with high intensity discharge lighting like metal halide are generally used in areas that require a large amount of light, like warehouses, parking lots or building exteriors. A common upgrade for these applications is Corn Cob LEDs, given the name based on their appearance. Most Corn Cob LEDs include an internal driver, which will require the socket to be connected directly to the power source, meaning the fixture will need to be rewired. Corn Cob LEDs come in various shapes depending on the intended application. Because Corn Cob LEDs can sometimes be larger than metal halide bulbs and have different enclosure requirements, it’s important to consult a licensed electrician to determine if the bulb will be able to work safely and efficiently in the existing fixture.  

​Another retrofit option is to replace the entire fixture. There are a great number of indoor and outdoor LED fixtures available with integrated LED lighting and drivers. These include flat panels, strips, troffers, under cabinet lights, recessed lights, area lights, wall packs, sconces and much more. The benefit of these fixtures is that generally everything you need is contained in the unit. There may be circumstances where an LED driver is needed though. There are also many options that allow you to choose your color temperature or amount of light output (lumens). This allows you to truly customize the light to your specific application. The downside to these can be that if something does go wrong or the LED lights reach their end of life, the entire fixture will need to be replaced.

If you aren’t interested in a complete lighting overhaul, there is an LED retrofit option that combines the other options, called retrofit kits. These kits allow you to keep your existing fixtures, but to update part of them with LED lighting. Some offer modules or components that just contain the LED light and replace the internal elements of existing fixtures, some offer LED lights and the “face” of the fixture, which allows you to keep the existing mechanics and fixture back in the ceiling and just update the outward part of it, along with the lighting. These can be a very efficient and economic option.

There are a vast number of LED options for every category and LED is an ever-evolving technology. It provides great savings in money and energy over older technologies. An additional, sometimes overlooked savings with LEDs refers to maintenance. Because LEDs last so much longer, they don’t need to be changed as often. That saves money on the maintenance side requiring less workers, lifts and delay of work when bulbs need to be changed.
 
With any lighting change, please be sure to consult a licensed electrician to ensure your upgrade is safe, efficient and the best option for your intended purpose. You can count on Lighting Supply to have an enormous selection of LED lighting with options sure to fit your application.

​If you work in a medical or wastewater treatment facility, you are likely familiar with germicidal, or UV, lamps. For those who are not familiar with these specialty bulbs, let’s take a look at how they work and some of their common uses. 

Germicidal lamps produce short-wavelength ultraviolet, or UVC, light These short-wave UV light rays are between 100nm and 280nm on the spectrum of visible light. This type of light leads to the eradication of harmful bacteria and viruses by disrupting its DNA structure. They are ideal for use where disinfection is the primary goal. Germicidal lamps are also used for water and air purification and the creation of ozone. There are two types germicidal lamps commonly used: low pressure and high pressure.
 
Low pressure lamps are most similar to fluorescent lamps, with the exception of two features. Low pressure germicidal bulbs contain no fluorescent phosphor and are made from fused quartz glass, instead of borosilicate glass like their fluorescent counterpart. They also produce a very small amount of visible light.
 
High pressure lamps are most similar to HID, or high intensity discharge, lamps. These lamps are most commonly used in industrial water treatment facilities because they produce an intense radiation. High pressure germicidal lamps emit a bright bluish white light.
 
*As with any fluorescent or HID lamp, germicidal lamps require the use of an external ballast to regulate the flow of current. ​

​Germicidal lamps require proper safety precautions pertaining to eye and skin protection. Exposure to these lamps without the right protective gear can cause sunburn, inflammation to the cornea, or damage to the retina. High exposure over time can lead to skin cancer and temporary, or even permanent, vision impairment. Since germicidal lamps provide an important function, they must be cleaned often and replaced each year to ensure high performance.
​
Germicidal lamps are a technical product that require specific handling and can cause serious issues if used improperly. If you have any doubt, please give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or contact us here. 

NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT!
Founded in 1959, James Gardner began to produce his first mold for his patented aluminum conduit bender with a small loan from his father-in-law. By 1969, he had redesigned and patented an improved fish tape for pulling wires through conduit. Just six years later, Gardner Bender was producing 13 different hand benders, 3 types of fish tapes, wire connectors and other items needed for electrical installation and maintenance projects.
 
Gardner Bender has a wide selection of wire pulling equipment, conduit benders, wire connectors, heat shrink, cable ties, hand tools, meters and more! Their well-known and award-winning products continue to lead the way alongside its sister brands: Bergen Instruments, King Innovation, Sperry Instruments and Calterm.
 
Visit LightingSupply.com to check out over 2,500+ Gardner Bender products we now offer! For more information, give our Customer Service Team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.

​​Not too long ago, 2020 was imagined having flying cars and futuristic technology that was off the charts. However, there are many who are still using a product that has not changed much since it was manufactured for commercial use in the 1800s; the incandescent light bulb. Not only do incandescent bulbs have a short lifespan and low efficiency, they are also bad for the environment – producing a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide. California, a front-runner in environment preservation, has proactively stepped up again and put an end to the use of incandescent bulbs within their state. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has established new standards for lighting with a focus on a commitment to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Two of these standards include Title 20, or the Appliance Efficiency Program, and Title 24 (JA8), also known as the California Building Standards Code.
 
TITLE 20
Title 20, or the Appliance Efficiency Program, sets minimum efficiency levels for energy consumption in consumer electronics and household appliances – along with other standards related to water consumption and plumbing equipment. Title 20 is not only a requirement to sell in California, but the product must also be registered with the CEC prior to entering the market.
 
TITLE 20 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• CRI, or color rendering index, must be greater than 80.
• Power factor must be greater than 0.7.
• Must have an hour rated life greater than 10,000 hours (25,000 for MR16s).
• A-lamps much be ENERGY STAR® V2.0 omnidirectional light distribution.
• Decorative lamp shapes must be ENERGY STAR V1.1 light distribution.
• Must meet compliance score* (See chart below).
• MR16 lamps must be either greater than 80 LPW or greater than 70 LPW with a compliance score greater than 165 (LPW = Lumens per watt).
• If the lamp is dimmable; dimmable to 10%.
• Reduced flicker.
• Noise is less than 24dB at 100% and 20%.
• If comparing to incandescent equivalent, must be lower than 3000K, or warm white.
• If comparing to incandescent, must be dimmable.
• If comparing to incandescent, lumens must be greater than 310 for an E26 base (medium) or greater than 150 for an E12 base (candelabra) or an E17 base (intermediate).

 
What does this mean for the consumer? Basically, the CEC has ensured that lighting products sold in California are brighter, more energy-efficient and longer lasting. This aligns with California’s environmentally friendly mission by creating less waste from discarded bulbs, emitting 80% less greenhouse gases and using significantly less energy when compared to incandescent, halogen and CFL bulbs. 

TITLE 24 (JA8)
Title 24 (JA8), or the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, is focused on reducing wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in new construction and existing buildings. Title 24, unlike Title 20, is not required in order to sell products in California. However, it is required for new construction projects.
 
TITLE 24 (JA8) PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• CRI, or color rendering index, must be greater than 90.
• CCT, or correlated color temperature, must be under 4000K.
• R9 must be greater than 50.
  • R9 refers to a light sources ability to accurately reproduce strong red colors.
• 6,000-hour lumen maintenance must be greater than or equal to 86.7%.
• Rated life must be greater than or equal to 15,000 hours.
• Must dim to 10% of light output.
• Flicker less than 30% for 200 Hz or below at 100% and 20% levels.
• Noise less than 24dB at 100% and 20%.
• Marking (either JA8-2016 or JA8-2016-E) on lamp.

 
What does this mean for the consumer? Title 24 provides assurance that lighting products purchased will be more efficient and last longer. Also, lighting products must maintain their original brightness further into the life of the product. While Title 24 is not required in order to sell products in California, it is required for any new construction projects. This is yet another way California is making strides towards being a leader on environmentalism. 

COMPLIANCE SCORE CHART*

​If you’re in search of a CEC Compliant product, look no further than Lighting Supply. We have a fantastic selection of CEC Compliant products including light bulbs, downlights, motion sensors, and emergency lighting. For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or leave a comment below.

ARTICLE REFERENCES
www.energy.ca.gov
https://www.tcpi.com/california-energy-commission-blog/

​Deck the halls with boughs of holly… and a few lights while you’re at it! Tis the season to create a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations. While Christmas lights bring a smile to our faces, unless you’re the Scrooge, there’s also potential risk that comes along with hanging them. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas lights cause 40% of Christmas tree fires, and overall decorations caused more than 15,000 injuries resulting in an emergency room visit – with falls being the highest at 34%, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Let’s take a look at the top 10 safety tips to ensure decorating your home goes without issue:

• Replace old or damaged Christmas lights. It’s important to check your light strings before plugging them for any cracked bulbs or frayed and exposed wires.
• Only use indoor and outdoor lights where approved. It is not safe to expose indoor lights to the elements and cold temperatures.
• Utilize GFCI outlets for outdoor lights. These outlets prevent injuries from shock and do not allow the circuit to overheat which can lead to electrical fires. They can also be exposed to rain and snow.
• As a rule of thumb, never plug more than three sets of lights into a single extension cord – depending on the wattage of your light strings and the max capacity of the plug.
• Always use your ladder appropriately and with great care. Make sure to place your ladder on level ground, move the ladder necessary to avoid over-reaching and never stand above the recommended safe-standing level marked on your ladder.
• Keep your Christmas tree hydrated. Dry tree needles can be cause for electrical fires.
• Use the proper tools and accessories to hang your lights. Nails or screws should not be used as they can damage the wiring leading to shock or failure of the lights. You should also secure loose strands with electrical tape or ground staples to prevent personal injury.
• Turning your lights off before bed or after long periods of use. Timers are a fantastic lighting control to make sure your lights are on during peak hours and are turned off each night.
• Make the switch to LED. They are cool to the touch, operate well in cold temperatures and use significantly less energy.
• At the end of the season, store your lights properly to avoid broken bulbs, frayed wires and damaged plugs. Use a container that seals well to prevent possible water damage and pesky rodents that may chew on the cords.

 
*As always, if you should have technical questions, please consult an electrician in your local area.
 
Lighting Supply has a great selection of Christmas lights including replacement bulbs, string lights, rope lights and more! With these safety tips in your back pocket and our stock at your fingertips, we hope you are able to bring the magic of Christmas to your home this holiday season! If you have questions about our Christmas light selection, please give our Customer Service Team a call at 877.231.2852 or leave a comment below.

Founded and celebrated by the National Fire Protection Associate (NFPA), October is Fire Prevention Month. This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6th – October 12th. In commemoration of the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871, local Fire Departments will educate their community and encourage everyone to practice fire safety by checking your smoke alarms and creating an escape plan in case of fire.
 
Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms and the #1 cause of accidental home deaths is Carbon Monoxide. Smoke and CO alarms should be checked monthly and replaced every 7-10 years. Both alarms should be installed in each bedroom and on every level of the home, including the basement. You should also have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, plus in the kitchen and garage.
 
Being prepared is key in any emergency situation. To help ensure your safety before and during a fire eliminate clutter that can easily become a fuel source or block exits, store flammable chemicals properly, ensure all exits are easily accessible, have a list of emergency contact information and an escape plan that is well-practiced.
 
Be proactive, not reactive – protect your family from potential disaster. Lighting Supply offers many fire safety products including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and escape ladders. Give our expert Customer Service Team a call or leave a comment below and we will be happy to point you in the right direction!
 
Sources: First Alert, Safety Resources
​

NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT!
​Founded in 1886 by a blacksmith, Channellock’s beginnings are humble and proud. George B. DeArment began hand-forging farrier’s tools in a small factory and then sold them in town out of the back of his wagon. His business eventually became known as the Champion Bolt & Clipper Company. DeArment founded his company on four guiding principles still followed today: good management is never far from the factory floor, people are more important than machines, bigger doesn’t always mean better and dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper. 

In its earlier years, Channellock expanded their product line to include nippers, pinchers and open-end wrenches. After DeArment retired in 1911, his sons, Almon and J. Howard, took over the company and expanded the line again to include hammers. In 1933, a breakthrough year for the company, they developed multi-purpose, tongue and groove, and slip-joint pliers coined “Channellock”; 33 years later, the company changed their name to Channellock to protect its trademark.

Channellock is proud to be an All-American company and LightingSupply.com is excited to offer 200+ Channellock products - including wire strippers, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers. For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.

It’s mid-summer and by now we’re well acquainted with those pesky bugs who keep us company in the evenings while spending time out on the patio. We’re faced with the dilemma of keeping the bug-attracting lights on or turning them off and sitting in the dark. Maybe we don’t have to make that choice after all! 

​Insects are only able to see three colors on the visible light spectrum – ultraviolet, blue and green. Since they are unable to perceive yellow, it has become a popular color choice when it comes to bug lights! Not to be confused with a bug zapper, bug lights do not repel or kill bugs, they simply use a filtered yellow glass to deter them better than traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent and CFL bulbs. Bugs are also attracted to the heat produced by a light – making incandescent bulbs the worst choice for your outdoor patio lighting. LED bulbs with warm color temperatures (yellow orange) are the most effective since they also produce little to no heat. Red light bulbs work even better but do not produce enough visible light for humans to see.

With a worldwide population of around 7.4 billion people, you can only imagine how much energy we consume. To quantify it, we use BTUs to measure how much energy we produce. A BTU roughly equates to the amount of energy released when a single match is lit. According to Inside Energy, we produce 78 million BTU per person, per year, worldwide – that’s 2.5 match strikes, per second, per person! America makes up 1/6th of the world’s energy consumption. We can all do our part to cut down on our energy usage. One small way to make a difference is by switching to LED lighting. LED lighting can reduce energy usage by about 60% and lasts 25 times longer than older technologies like incandescent, fluorescent and CFL. Per Energy.gov, by replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with LED products that earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save $75 each year!
 
Not only are you going to be able to save money by making the switch to LED lighting, there are many other benefits not just for you, but also for the environment. Let’s take a look at a few of the perks of LED lighting.

• LONG LIFE: LED lighting has an average life of 30,000-50,000 hours as compared to incandescent and CFLs that last for 1,000 hours or 8,000-10,000 hours, respectively. LEDs never “burn out” but simply dim over time. 

 

• ENERGY EFFICIENT: LED lighting uses about 50%-60% less energy than incandescent and halogen bulbs. It is also directional so there is no wasted light output or energy and it reduces the need for reflectors and diffusers that can block the light. LED lighting is so efficient that it’s becoming more common in streetlighting, parking lots, parking garages and on building facades where the amount of energy used is significant. 

 

• SAFETY & DURABILITY: LED light bulbs do not utilize a filament or glass casing, therefore making them extremely durable. Since most are made of plastic, there is very little chance of the bulb shattering if dropped. Also, as compared to incandescent bulbs that lose 90% of their light output to heat, LEDs do not produce heat, so they don’t become hot to the touch even after being illuminated for hours. This calls for less risk of accidental fires or burns.

 

• COLOR RENDERING: LED lighting has fantastic color rendering, or CRI. It produces a light that shows an item’s truest color and doesn’t wash it out, making them perfect for use in displays and retail applications. 

 

• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: CFL and fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and can be dangerous if broken and must be disposed of properly once they burn out. LED lighting contains no mercury and can be disposed of easily and are recyclable. The production of one LED bulb saves material and production of 24 incandescent bulbs! 

 

• NO UV EMISSIONS: LED bulbs produce little to no UV emissions which makes them great for use in museums and clothing stores. The LED light will not deteriorate the artwork or fade the clothing.

 

• GREAT IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES: LED lighting operates extremely well in cold temperatures unlike older technologies that require warmer temperatures to start. LED bulbs are ideal for use in refrigerated displays, cold storage and freezers. As a result, outdoor lighting is also seeing a rise in LED lighting upgrades in parking lots, building exteriors and signage.

 

• CONTROLABILITY: Older technologies are not as versatile as LED lighting. LED lighting can be paired with smart systems and controlled with remotes, timers, sensors and even your smart phone! Most have incredible dimming capabilities that can dim down to 10% light output, whereas some other technologies will only dim to 30%. 
  

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​Let our Customer Service team help you upgrade your current lighting to LED today! They are knowledgeable in all aspects of lighting and will be able to recommend the best option to fit your specific needs and applications. Call 877.231.2852 or send an email to get started. ​​​Check out our latest ​​flyer with popular, top-selling LED products that will start saving you money on your energy bills.