Photoluminescent Signs Buying Guide
Safety
Photoluminescent signage is a crucial safety feature for any environment where visibility can be compromised. These signs absorb ambient light and emit a glow in low-light conditions, ensuring essential information remains visible during power outages and emergencies.
Regulatory Compliance
Aligns with UK safety standards: though not strictly mandated, regulations like The Health & Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996 encourage visibility in emergencies.
Your Glow Sign provides the widest range of compliant photoluminescent signage for safety and peace of mind.
Sustainability
By reducing the need for electricity, photoluminescent signs offer both environmental and cost benefits. All signs are guaranteed to last for at least four years indoors, reducing replacement costs.
Reliability
Unlike powered or illuminated signs, photoluminescent signs are fail-safe, requiring no electricity, so they work even in complete blackouts.
Photoluminescence Explained
Photoluminescent materials use phosphorescent pigments to absorb and store light from sources like daylight or artificial lighting, then emit a glow in the dark. This light emission continues for varying durations based on the material quality, making them invaluable during power outages or low-light conditions.
Photoluminescent materials are rated based on their luminance. This measures how much light is visible from the surface of the sign, in millicandelas per square meter (mcd/m²). Higher values indicate a brighter glow.
Photoluminescent signs are categorized into different grades based on their luminance performance, as defined by the Photoluminescent Safety Products Association (PSPA).
Class
A
B
C
D
Minimum Luminance (mcd/m²)
At decay time
2 min
108
210
690
1100
10 min
25
50
15
7
30 min
7
15
45
85
60 min
3
7
20
35
BS ISO 16069 Compliant?
YGS Equivalent
Our materials exceed the PSPA requirements in each relevant category.
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Standard Glow
Double Glow
Triple Glow
Suitable Applications
Low level of photoluminescence not suitable for use in Safety Signage. Not offered by Your Glow Sign.
A cost effective solution for use where BS ISO 16069 does not apply (see Regulatory Compliance below).
The minimum requirement for compliance with BS ISO 16069, such as for Safety Way Guidance Systems (SWGS). We recommend at least Class C for critical safety signage such as emergency exit marking and fire equipment identification.
Our premium option for the brightest and longest lasting glow. Particularly useful in settings where safety cannot be compromised and ambient lighting is less reliable, e.g. car parks and stairwells.
By aligning with these standards, Your Glow Sign offers peace of mind, maximizing safety, reliability, and compliance.
Regulatory Compliance. Meeting Safety Standards
While not mandatory in the UK, photoluminescent signs meet the spirit of UK safety regulations by ensuring visibility in low-light and emergency conditions.
Key standards include:
The Health & Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996
- Encourages the use of phosphorescent or reflective materials where natural light is insufficient, supporting clear visibility during power outages.
- Highlights the importance of uninterrupted legibility in emergency situations to enhance safety.
BS 5499-4:2013 – Safety Signs for Escape Routes
- This standard mandates the proper illumination of escape route signs, ensuring they remain visible and effective in any lighting condition.
- Where photoluminescent materials are used, they must meet BS ISO 17398:2004, classification C, equivalent to Class C photoluminescent material, such as YGS Double Glow material.
The Building Regulations 2010 – Fire Safety Approved Document B
- The 2020 amendment requires wayfinding signage for fire services in buildings above 11 meters.
- Although it doesn’t mandate photoluminescent signs, legibility in low-light conditions is essential, making photoluminescent options ideal for compliance.
BS ISO 16069:2017 – Safety Way Guidance Systems (SWGS)
- Sets standards for safety way guidance systems, which direct individuals to safety during emergencies like fires or power failures.
- While photoluminescent materials are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended and must meet minimum luminance requirements (equivalent to YGS Double Glow, or PSPA class C) where used.
Standard Material Options
Self Adhesive Vinyl
Our most cost effective solution, offering a gloss finish. Quick and easy to affix, suitable for flat or curved non-porous surfaces. Recommended for indoor use and guaranteed for 4 years. Available in photoluminescent classes B, C or D.
1.2mm Rigid Plastic
Lightweight and durable material, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. More flexible that thicker plastic alternatives, making it less likely to snap or break. Supplied with adhesive pads for installing on flat surfaces. Guaranteed for 4 years. Available in photoluminescent classes B, C or D.
3mm Aluminium Composite
Our premium material is rigid, lightweight and more hardwearing than cheaper alternatives. This aesthetic option will not rust or corrode over time, ideal for long term outdoor use. Guaranteed for 7 years. Available in photoluminescent classes B, C or D.
GloAcrylic
Our most aesthetic option, offering a modern, professional look. Enhanced light transmission makes for outstanding print clarity. This durable shatter proof material is suitable for indoor & outdoor use and guaranteed for up to 4 years. Available in photoluminescent class C.
Glow-Reflect
Our most advanced and high-visibility option, offering the best visibility in low lighting conditions. These signs glow in the dark and are reflective! Ideal for locations where signs need to be seen in the dark or when illuminated with a torch or headlights, such as internal staircases or underground carparks. Glow-reflect is available on Self Adhesive Vinyl, 1.2mm Rigid Plastic and 3mm Aluminium Composite, with Class C photoluminescence.
Palboard
Ideal for our corridor and 3D signs due to its lightweight but extra-strong properties, palboard is guaranteed for 4 years' indoor use. Multi-layered construction with a recycled foam PVC core. Available in photoluminescent classes B, C or D.
Types of Signs
Traditional wall signs can often be missed if viewed from the wrong angle. That’s why we’ve created a range of alternative photoluminescent signs, designed to be viewed from various angles.
From hanging signs to identify fire exits, to 3D signs sitting above Fire Extinguishers, we’ve got the right sign for any circumstance.
Hanging Signs
Suspended from ceilings, these are easily visible in areas where wall space is limited or obstructed. They ensure clear identification of exits and assembly points, enhancing safety by providing directional guidance in emergency situations. Available in Class B, C or D Photoluminescent.
Corridor Signs
Corridor signs are double-sided signs mounted perpendicular to the wall, making them easily visible from both directions in a corridor. They are particularly useful for indicating the location of fire equipment and emergency exits in long or busy hallways. Available in Class B, C or D Photoluminescent.
3D Signs
3D projection signs are multi-angle signs designed to be visible from various directions. They include pre-drilled holes for easy wall mounting and are particularly effective in ensuring crucial information, like first aid locations, is seen from multiple viewpoints in busy areas. Available in Class B, C or D Photoluminescent.
Anti-Slip Floor Signs
Class B Photoluminescent anti-slip floor signs are designed to be placed on floors to provide both safety messaging and slip resistance. They help prevent accidents by alerting people to hazards and ensuring stable footing in high-traffic or potentially slippery areas, enhancing overall workplace safety.
Why Buy From Your Glow Sign?
Safety signs are a legal requirement for all kinds of organisation to meet basic health and safety obligations, and photoluminescent signs add enhanced visibility to critical safety messages.
Compliance doesn’t have to be onerous or expensive and we aim to make it as easy as possible for our customers.
We manufacture our own signs in Poole, Dorset which enables our customers to save money by buying directly from a UK manufacturer.
Many of our signs are designed using official ISO symbols, and laid out in accordance with HSE Signs & Signals regulations, unlike some competitors.
We offer the widest range of photoluminescent materials, sign types and finishes and fixings, all available at the click of the button, so you can order a complete signage solution in seconds. As standard, we offer high quality durable materials and UV stabilised inks so our signs will stand the test of time, we guarantee it!
Here are just some of the benefits of buying your photoluminescent signs from Your Glow Sign:
Small Investment, Big Safety Benefit
Some of our glow in the dark signs are cheaper than competitors' non-luminous equivalents!
Widest Range
Choose from over 3000 fully compliant signs
Brighter and longer lasting Glow
3 classes of photoluminescence, unlike most competitors!
Fast and Easy Ordering
Choose your sign, material and fixings in seconds
24 Hour Free Despatch
Orders over £30 placed before 4.30pm
30 Day Money Back
No Quibble Guarantee
Exceptional Prices
With Bulk Discounts available
Instant Credit
UK businesses pay on invoice
UK manufacturer
All of our signs are Made in Britain