Photoluminescent Signs Explained

Material supplied
ABS plastic with photoluminescent coating. Selected signs available with aluminium frames.

Standard sizes on site
190 × 190 mm and 290 × 290 mm. Additional sizes available on request.

Best next step
Confirm placement and lighting conditions, then shop the range.

WHAT ARE PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS

Photoluminescent signs, often referred to as glow in the dark signs, are safety signs designed to remain visible in low-light or no-light conditions. Their purpose is to guide people safely during power failures, smoke-filled environments, or emergency evacuations.

These signs form part of the standard SABS-approved safety signage system and are commonly used to support emergency escape and evacuation procedures.

WHEN PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS ARE USED

Photoluminescent signs are used wherever visibility may be compromised during an emergency.

  • Along emergency escape routes
  • At emergency exits and exit doors
  • In stairwells and corridors
  • In areas where power failure could occur
  • Where additional visual guidance is required during evacuation

Photoluminescent signs enhance safety during emergencies but do not replace proper emergency planning or lighting systems.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTS

  • Commercial buildings and offices
  • Factories and industrial facilities
  • Warehouses and logistics centres
  • Public buildings and shopping centres
  • Hospitals, schools, and educational facilities
  • Residential complexes and shared spaces
Emergency visibility

Photoluminescent signs should be positioned along escape routes and decision points where people need reassurance and direction in low visibility conditions.

HOW PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS WORK

Photoluminescent signs absorb ambient light from natural or artificial sources. When lighting levels drop, the stored energy is released as visible light, allowing the sign to glow in the dark.

This process requires no electricity, making photoluminescent signage a reliable safety solution during power failures.

COMMON TYPES OF PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS

  • Emergency Exit
  • Escape Route Directional Arrows
  • Stairway Identification
  • Emergency Equipment Location
  • Assembly Point

The correct photoluminescent signage depends on the building layout, escape route design, and emergency evacuation strategy.

Ready to buy, browse the full range of Photoluminescent Signs.

View Photoluminescent Signs

MATERIALS AND FORMATS

Photoluminescent signs on our website are supplied in specific formats designed to maximise visibility and durability.

  • ABS plastic with photoluminescent coating, suitable for most indoor environments
  • Aluminium frame options, available for selected signs in single-sided or double-sided formats

All photoluminescent signs sold on the website are supplied on ABS plastic. Some signs are available with aluminium frames for additional visibility or mounting options.

WHICH MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

ABS plastic
  • Standard option for photoluminescent signs
  • Suitable for indoor environments
  • Provides reliable glow performance
Aluminium frame
  • Optional for selected signs
  • Allows single-sided or double-sided display
  • Useful for corridors and open areas

If you are unsure which format is most appropriate for your site, our team can assist with selecting a suitable option.

STANDARD SIZES AVAILABLE

Photoluminescent signs displayed on the website are available in the following standard sizes:

  • 190 × 190 mm
  • 290 × 290 mm

Additional sizes may be supplied on request by contacting us.

HOW TO USE PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS EFFECTIVELY

  • Ensure signs receive adequate ambient light during normal conditions
  • Install signs at consistent heights along escape routes
  • Position signs at decision points such as turns and exits
  • Avoid placing signs where they may be obstructed
  • Inspect signs periodically to ensure visibility is maintained

RELATED SIGN CATEGORIES

VIEW PHOTOLUMINESCENT SIGNS

Browse our full range of glow in the dark photoluminescent signs suitable for emergency and low-light environments.

View Photoluminescent Signs