NEMA Releases New Standard on Exit Sign Visibility |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2003
(ROSSLYN, VA) - The Emergency Lighting
Section of NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has
released
EM 1-2002, Exit Sign Visibility Testing and Requirements for Safety.
The purpose of this publication is to promote safety by setting forth visibility testing procedures and requirements for exit signs. These procedures and requirements are based on the best available objective research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Lighting Research Center and on independent testing by CSA International. EM 1-2002 contains performance requirements and test methods for evaluating exit sign visibility, which includes readability and the ability to attract attention in an emergency. "During the past few years, NFPA and UL have allowed minimum visibility requirements for exit signs to degrade to the point where many authorities believe the signs no longer meet the need to be readily visible in order to help occupants evacuate a building," said Billy Helton, chairman of the Emergency Lighting Section. "EM 1 is an important document because it sets minimum visibility requirements for exit signs that are very cost effective and readily available. These requirements also allow better harmonization with CSA exit sign visibility requirements." EM 1-2002 may be purchased for $51.00 by visiting http://www.nema.org/r/std/em1/ or by contacting Global Engineering Documents at (800) 854-7179 (within the U.S.), (303) 397-7956 (international), or (303) 397-2740 (fax). NEMA is the leading trade association in the United States representing the interests of electroindustry manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its 400 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. Domestic shipments of electrical products within the NEMA scope exceed $100 billion. Press/Public Relations Contacts: |
There was an STP Meeting On This Issue (UL924), Oct. 24, 2003 at Bally's in Las Vegas !!! See: INTERESTING LETTERS BACK TO: THE SCREAM FOR RELIABILITY |