Safety-related photoluminescent products and signs, and more specifically, signs for fire protection, are required to include a code for the specified pigment or product. The values included in this code refer to the brightness of the signal at 10 min and 60 min after the end of stimulation, the decay time, the color of the signal during stimulation and decay, and standard numbers. So, as an example, a photoluminescent signal code could have the following designation: 210/29-3000 –KW/UNE 23 035
For this example, the indicated value would refer to the following parameter:
K, W value: Refers to the value of the color of the signal in stimulation and decay. For this particular case, a K value indicates that the photoluminescence has a greenish-yellow color (K), while a W value indicates that the pigment or photoluminescent product has a white color. To obtain these values, measurements were performed under stimulated and decayed conditions.
Values 210/29: These values refer to luminance in mcd/m2. Measurements were taken 10 min and 60 min after stimulation.
Value 3000: This value refers to the fade time.
It is important to point out that manufacturing conditions can affect the values indicated in the code, and manufacturers need to take appropriate steps so that labels always match reality.
The following tests are required:
ENAC accredited color determination test according to UNE 23033-1:2019. Fire Safety. Safety signage. Part 1: Signs and beacons for fire protection systems and equipment. The background colors (usually red and green) of signs and beacons for fire protection systems and equipment need to be adapted to the requirements of the UNE 23033 standard. So, for example, according to the standard, they need to comply with chromaticity coordinates and lightness coefficients. On the other hand, the standard also establishes color measurement procedures based on measurement geometry, light source and observer.
ENAC-accredited test for determining the color coordinates of high-visibility signal clothing according to the UNE EN ISO 20471 standard.
Test color determination during stimulation and color during decay. The kW value is determined according to the UNE EN 23035-1:2003 standard.
Graphical Symbols - Safety Colors and Safety Signs. Colorimetric and photometric properties of safety sign materials ISO 3564-4