The Exit Light Co has recently released four new products containing LiFePO4 batteries.

• The EL-THO, a high-output, low-profile LED emergency light, packing a walloping 600 lumens per head. Includes a remote head capable option.
• The BRAND NEW EL-SBHO, a super bright, emergency light. A powerful lighting choice with 1590 lumens. Includes a self-testing option and adjustable lamp heads.
• The newest member of our stylish architectural line, the EL-DEC.  This light features two operation modes: Photocell mode automatically activates the light when lighting is low and deactivates it when exposed to sufficient light. In Wall Switch mode, users can manually control the light using a switch.
• We can’t forget our ever-popular weatherproof emergency light, the EL-WETLED. Two models contain the LiFePO4 battery; the cold weather unit with an internal heater and the new self-testing, high-output model.

What is a LiFePO4 battery?

LiFePO4 is a lithium-iron phosphate battery. These batteries share traits with other lithium-ion batteries with some notable differences.

Why choose LiFePO4 batteries?

Aging and Cycle-life Characteristics: LiFePO4 batteries, or LFPs, boast a significantly extended cycle life compared to other lithium-ion formulations, meaning the batteries can withstand more discharges and charges. Under typical conditions, it supports more than 3,000 cycles, and under optimal conditions, it supports more than 10,000 cycles. In comparison, NMC batteries support about 1,000 to 2,300 cycles. LFP cells also experience a slower rate of capacity loss, meaning they last longer.

Safety: Stories of exploding electrical scooters, laptop chargers igniting, and five-alarm fires have many concerned about the safety of lithium-ion batteries. LiFePo4 batteries have a different formulation and are lithium-iron phosphate batteries. This formulation is fire-safe and very resistant to overheating. These batteries are also equipped with an integrated safeguarding mechanism, referred to as a battery management system (BMS), which prevents overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuiting.

Operational Temperature: These batteries operate at a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for most emergency lighting applications. Generally, LiFePO4 batteries can operate at a temperature between -4°F and 140°F. Optimal performance is achieved between 32°F and 113°F. Please note: Operational temperature will depend on the specific battery and its design. It is not recommended to charge the battery when it’s at or below freezing. This will permanently damage the battery. Some batteries have internal heaters to operate in freezing temperatures.

In review, LiFePO4 batteries are a safe, reliable and longer lasting alternative to both nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries. As lighting and battery technologies progress, it makes for an energy efficient and safer future in life safety products.

Recently, The Exit Light Co has introduced our own line of ADA signs to fill this important role in the market. Made with top quality materials and adhering to code-mandated requirements, it seemed like a natural extension of our life-safety product offering. Here is a brief history of the ADA sign.

The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act had a dramatic impact on the lives of millions of Americans. Before its introduction, many people struggled to access basic services. Buildings, sidewalks, restrooms, and public transit proved to be difficult to navigate or, for some, completely unusable.

Section 504

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal civil rights protection law for people with disabilities. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities under any programs receiving federal funding. Prior to its introduction, some children were completely excluded from schools. This law has a notable impact on public education opportunities to this day. Nevertheless, many Americans still could not access businesses that serve the public such as churches, theaters, restaurants, hotels, gyms, private schools, and shops.

Americans with Disabilities Act

For decades activists fought for increased rights and to uphold those granted under 504.  The ADA bill was first introduced in 1989. Activists became frustrated when the bill was stalled. On March 13, 1990 over 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S Capitol in protest. In a powerful display, about 60 of the participants then abandoned their wheelchairs and mobility devices to crawl up the 83 steps leading to the Capitol. This became known as the “Capitol Crawl” and helped push legislation forward. A few months later the bill was signed into law.

Our World Today

The ADA changed the way our world is built. Ramps, elevators, sidewalks, public transit, and restrooms have all been adjusted to ensure everyone has access. Public communications now include interpreters and closed captioning. This law also opened up jobs for many Americans by prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Today publicly accessible buildings include signs designed to help the visually impaired navigate public spaces. These signs include raised lettering, Braille, and sometimes a pictogram. They help those with and without visual impairments to locate, offices, restrooms, stairs, and much more.

Click here to see our line of ADA compliant signs.

It’s a great day at The Exit Light Company, and we’re happy to present our weekly safety meeting topic – Ladder Safety. At one point or another, your employees will use a ladder of some kind. Whether it is a small step ladder or 12 foot long straight ladder, safety is a concern, and prevention through awareness the best way to address it.
For this meeting, it is beneficial to have a volunteer to show the proper way to climb a ladder. Before you get your volunteer and have them climb, make sure to check that your ladder is in good condition. There should be no broken, cracked or missing rails and they should be free of slippery substances on the rungs. Your demonstration should have your volunteer set up the ladder on solid footing, against a solid support. The base of the ladder should be about 12” out from the wall for every 4 feet of height.
Make sure your volunteer doesn’t have any oil, grease or mud on their shoes and have them climb the ladder slowly, facing it and using both hands. If tools need to be carried to the top, using a toolbelt will allow the employee to climb the ladder without needing to compromise the grip of the ladder. Have them climb back down the same way.
While reaching at the top of a ladder, do not allow sideways movement. If the desired object cannot be reached, climb down and move the ladder over. The ladder should be used by one person at a time, additional people on the same ladder may alter the balance and cause a fall.
Through your demonstration, employees should now have a much better understanding of how to properly use a ladder – and don’t forget – While on a ladder, never step back to admire your work!

This week’s installment of Topics for Safety Meetings addresses working safely around electricity. Although installation of exit signs and emergency lighting is nothing new to the certified electrician, many business owners choose to install units themselves or have maintenance workers perform the job. Safety when working with electricity extends to the average employee dealing with office equipment or even appliances in the breakroom.
First and foremost for anyone dealing directly with an electrical connection – shut the power off to the circuit you will be using! Standard voltage in the United States is 120 or 277 volts, which could produce an affect anywhere from a tingling sensation to fatal electrocution depending on the conditions of contact. Once the power is removed, use a tester to make sure the power is actually off to the location you are working in. Use the correct tools; for instance, use wire strippers when needed instead of a pocket knife or razor blade to minimize the risk of injury.
General safety measures when around or using electrical equipment include:
– Reading and following any instructions included with equipment
– Do not force a plug into an outlet that does not match the slot configuration
– Do not touch electrical equipment, plugs, outlets or switches with wet hands
– Grip the plug to remove equipment from an outlet instead of pulling the cord
– Although equipment may be “off” electricity is still present. Unplug before cleaning, fixing or inspecting unit and when not in use
– Do not touch equipment with possibly compromised circuitry (indicators include flickering lights, sparks coming from unit, buzzing noises)
Leave your meeting with a reminder – Accidents Hurt, Safety Doesn’t. Remember to bookmark this page or subscribe to our blog to receive next week’s topic for safety meetings.