Photoluminescent Signs for Emergency Escape and Wayfinding Systems
Photoluminescent signage is specified where emergency guidance must remain visible during power failure, smoke conditions or reduced lighting.
NOVADURA photoluminescent signage systems are manufactured for emergency escape routes, low-location lighting, fire evacuation guidance and safety wayfinding across transport, marine, commercial and public infrastructure environments.
Using primaDURA GLOW technology, these systems combine long-afterglow photoluminescent performance with durable aluminium construction, anti-graffiti surface protection and fire-tested material performance.
The result is a robust signage system suited to environments where visibility, compliance and long-term surface durability are critical to the specification.
Specifying Photoluminescent Signage
Photoluminescent signage absorbs ambient light and releases it as visible illumination when surrounding light levels fall. This makes it suitable for locations where escape guidance needs to remain visible without relying on electrical power, batteries or illuminated fittings.
In emergency planning, photoluminescent systems are commonly used to support evacuation routes, exit identification, low-location wayfinding and fire safety information. They are particularly valuable in environments where smoke or power loss may reduce visibility at normal eye level.
NOVADURA photoluminescent signage is manufactured using a durable surface system designed for public-facing environments. The material construction supports resistance to abrasion, graffiti, moisture, UV exposure and general environmental wear.
This makes the system suitable for both internal and external safety signage applications where standard PVC, Foamex or vinyl laminated signs may not provide the required fire performance, surface durability or long-term reliability.
Emergency Escape and Wayfinding Applications
Photoluminescent signage is commonly specified across buildings and infrastructure where clear emergency direction is required during reduced visibility.
Applications include:
- Emergency escape signage
- Fire evacuation signage
- Low-location lighting systems
- Glow in the dark wayfinding
- Transport infrastructure signage
- Rail and underground environments
- Marine and offshore safety signage
- Passenger terminals and public buildings
- Commercial fire safety signage
- Stairwell and corridor escape guidance
- Assembly point and evacuation route signage
- Public infrastructure safety systems
Photoluminescent signage is specified to support a building’s emergency lighting rather than replace it. The material absorbs energy from surrounding light and releases it as visible light when lighting levels fall, so a sufficiently charged sign remains visible without a power supply of its own.
Where photoluminescent signage is used, and how it works alongside emergency lighting, should be determined by the building’s fire risk assessment and fire safety strategy.
Low-Location Lighting and Reduced Visibility Guidance
Low-location photoluminescent signage is used where guidance may need to remain visible below smoke level during an emergency.
By positioning escape route information closer to floor level, photoluminescent systems can help maintain route awareness when overhead lighting, illuminated signs or higher-level wayfinding become obscured.
This approach is widely used within passenger vessels, transport infrastructure, tunnels, underground environments and complex public buildings where evacuation routes must remain clear and recognisable in emergency conditions.
NOVADURA systems can be manufactured for low-location lighting, directional guidance, stairwell identification, exit routes and safety-critical wayfinding depending on the project requirement.
Timescales
15 - 20 Working Days
NOVADURA photoluminescent signage systems are manufactured for emergency escape, fire safety and low-location wayfinding applications requiring long-afterglow performance and durable surface protection.
The system combines photoluminescent performance with anti-graffiti and anti-vandal surface protection, helping maintain legibility and appearance in high-traffic locations.
Testing and performance references include:
- PSPA Class D according to DIN 67510 Pt 1
- ISO 15370
- ISO 16069
- SOLAS Regulations
- EU Marine Equipment Directive
- IMO RES A.752 (18)
- ASTM E2072
- JIS Z9100
- Transport for London S1085
- BS 476-6:1989+A1:2009 Class O
- BS 476-7:1997 Class 1
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Applications | Emergency escape routes, exit identification, stairwell identification, low-location guidance and fire evacuation information |
| Environments | Internal and external safety signage |
| Photoluminescent systems | primaDURA GLOW aluminium signage; vitraDURA photoluminescent backing for selected internal glass and acrylic signs |
| Surface protection | Resistant to abrasion, graffiti, moisture and UV exposure |
| Low-location formats | Reduced-width formats available in primaDURA GLOW |
| Dimensions | Manufactured to project-specific dimensions |
| Lead time | 15–20 working days |
