As the number of their AS2293 compliant electric-battery exit signs increase and dealing with failures becomes a greater burden and cost, building managers and owners are often talked into buying into an expensive emergency light monitoring system. These systems require:

• Upgrading Signs: Converting all existing exit signs to network-compatible versions from the manufacturer of the monitoring system
• Network Infrastructure: Installing a new network – either Wi-Fi or wired – to connect the signs, as well as a dedicated computer, surge protection and backup system, as recommended by AS2293.2
• Software Licensing: Licensing and installing monitoring software from a third-party vendor creates additional ongoing costs, charged monthly or annually
• Increased number of 6-monthly checks: AS2293.2 recommends tests on the computer, communication networks and backup components such as cables, routers and repeaters, before the 6-monthly tests of exit signs using the monitoring system occurs. This is because monitoring systems can produce false-positives – telling the operator all is working when in fact components have failed.
• Increased energy use and emissions: Using monitoring systems unnecessarily increases your energy use and emissions.

Interestingly, there’s no Australian Standard for the monitoring systems, only an optional appendix in AS2293.2 which most people probably don’t follow.

The main beneficiary of any emergency light monitoring system is its manufacturer, who is:

• Charging the owner or building manager more for the signs
• Charging for supporting infrastructure such as networking infrastructure costs
• Charging an ongoing subscription to access the systems features
• Locking out price competition and locking the building into only purchasing replacement electric-battery exit signs from the manufacturer of the monitoring system
• Ensuring you buy your replacement electric-battery exit signs faster, from the manufacturer of course to ensure it is compatible with their monitoring system.

Rather than designing and manufacturing more reliable technology, they’re selling you a reporting and ordering system for failed exit signs and emergency lights.

Smarterlite: The Sustainable and Cost-Effective Solution

Smarterlite’s Environmental Exit Signs completely eliminate the need for these costly monitoring systems. Here’s how:

• Battery-Free Design: SmarterLite technology eliminates the failure-prone electric batteries present in traditional exit signs
• Environmentally Friendly: Many Smarterlite models require no electricity at all, minimising environmental impact, and none require batteries for disposal
• Reduced Emissions: No batteries and minimal electricity usage significantly reduce your building’s carbon footprint, and helping you meet your Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions targets
• Long-lasting Reliability: With no batteries or electricity to fail, Smarterlite signs offer unmatched reliability
• NCC Compliant: Smarterlite’s technology has been in Australia’s National Construction Code for more than 10 years
• Approved in State Energy Reduction Schemes: Smarterlite’s Hyperion model has been approved in the Victorian Energy Upgrade Program and NSW Energy Saving Scheme.

Smarterlite Options for Every Need:

Smarterlite’s Environmental Exit Signs include unpowered and powered versions, all battery-free. The powered version is extremely energy efficient. These signs are perfect for areas with limited light or energy-saving lighting systems, or where you simply want an internally illuminated sign. Smarterlite’s Hybrid Environmental Exit Sign models utilise a low-powered, high-efficiency LED, ensuring reliable illumination while minimising electricity consumption.

Upgrade Your Building Today!

Don’t settle for the hidden costs, unreliability and safety risks associated with traditional electric-battery exit signs by subscribing to a band-aid solution like an expensive monitoring system. Instead, instruct your electrician to install Smarterlite Environmental Exit Signs whenever a traditional unit fails. With major corporations across Australia already embracing this innovative technology, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t too.

The Smarterlite Advantage:

Smarterlite exit signs are a commercially viable solution. Simply replace your existing electric-battery units with Smarterlite models over time, eliminating the need for a costly monitoring system within 3-5 years.

Contact Smarterlite today to discuss how our sustainable exit signs will enhance your building’s safety and reduce your overall costs..