BS 5499 Self Luminous Exit Signs

British Self Luminous Exit Signs

When it comes to approved self luminous exit sign fixtures in the United States, you'll always want to look for the UL 924 symbol. However, if you are one of our international customers in the UK, Hong Kong, Austrailia or other countries that once flew the Union Jack, you will need to look for a different marking.

See Our 10 Year Self Luminous Exit Signs

In these countries, the British Standards Institute (BSI) presides over self powered exit sign standards. Just as you would not buy an SL sign that was not UL-approved, so should you not buy a sign that is not BS 5499 compliant.

Most of the guidelines in 5499 are pretty identical to UL and NFPA guidelines in the states. However if you are a Yankee abroad, it might be hard to understand the Queen's English. 

5499 Legislation

Requirements for self luminous exit signs was imposed by the Fire Precautions Regulations of 1997 and Fire Precautions Act of 1971. The BS 5499 covers all fire safety signs and is compatible with the Health and Safety Regulations of 1996.

If you are unsure about any of the BS 5499 legislature, send us an email or call us anytime, toll free at 800-379-1129

5499 Part 3 

Internally Illuminated Signs

Part 3 covers all signs that have an internal light source, such as incandescent bulbs, LED or tritium tubes.  

Such devices are:

  • approved for general use as both exit and directional signs
  • shall be connected to both mains and emergency power supply
  • if not equipped with emergency generators, electronic signs must have battery backups 

5499 Part 2 

Self Luminous Signs

Under British Standards and guidelines set forth by the Director of Fire Services, SL signs are approved exit and directional fixtures only in premises under single ownership or central management.

See Our 20 Year Self Luminous Exit Signs

Such facilities include:

  • Government buildings
  • Gymnasiums and stadiums
  • Hotels and service apartments
  • Institutional facilities
  • Museums, exhibition halls, libraries, places of worship
  • Office buildings
  • Parking garages
  • Passenger and cargo terminals
  • Tunnels
  • Temporary show flats

Also, any premises that is approved by the Director of Fire Services may use self powered exit signs. 

Exit Sign Requirements

Sufficient signs must be installed to ensure that all exit routes are clearly indicated as required by the number and placement of staircases in the building. 

Legends should be ISO-approved pictogram or in the following fonts:

  • Modified Garamond
  • Helvetica
  • Marigold

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