THE CLASSIFICATION OF MARINE PHOTOLUMINESCENT LOW lowcation LIGHTING STRIP
The IMO A.1116(30) and ISO15370 -2021 have comprehensive and professional specifications regarding to Ships and marine Low location lighting arrangement on passenger ships. Among them, the PL (photoluminescent LLL strip) system is one of the major catagories beside from EL (Electronic Lighting) system. However, for the tremendous types of marine accessories. Considering of this matter, The IMPA (IMPA | Home) provide a 6digital sorting code solution to help ship owners and suppliers to identifying the products they needed. ,
The LLL strip and photoluminescent signs are on the IMPA list as well. The IMPA33.2380 ~IMPA33.2396 for example are just for those product. It not only has guidance for the material, size and patterns according to standards such as ISO24409-2 and ISO15370 -2021. But also specifying the classification of the photoluminescent material. For instance IMPA33.2331 request CLASS B photoluminescent LL strip.
When it refer to the Classification of photoluminescent material. We may need to redirect another professional association– Photoluminescent Safety Products Association (PSPA).
The PSPA Members share the objectives of promoting the use of quality photoluminescent products and materials in safety applications and setting, monitoring and maintaining quality standards. The PSPA has developed a classification system for photo luminescent products and materials. This classification is used to determine the subsequent application of products in escape route marking systems.
The PSPA Classification of products is based on the time it takes for that product’s luminance to reach a low of 0.3 mcd/m2. Classification is as follows:
| Class | 10 Minutes | 60 Minutes | Time to reach 0.3 mcd/m2 |
| Class III | 8.5 mcd/m2 | 0.5 mcd/m2 | > 80 minutes |
| Class II | 12.5 mcd/m2 | 1.2 mcd/m2 | > 170 minutes |
| Class I | 17 mcd/m2 | 1.7 mcd/m2 | > 240 minutes |
| Class A | 23 mcd/m2 | 3 mcd/m2 | > 450 minutes |
As a result of innovative new pigments being introduced and processed, three further classifications were proposed for materials that are currently available in the market. These materials all exceed Class I performance and are hence considered special cases of this class and are as follows:-
| Class | 10 Minutes | 60 Minutes | Time to reach 0.3 mcd/m2 |
| Class B | 50 mcd/m2 | 7 mcd/m2 | > 900 minutes |
| Class C | 140 mcd/m2 | 20 mcd/m2 | > 1800 minutes |
| Class D | 260 mcd/m2 | 35 mcd/m2 | > 2000 minutes |
In this case, our photoluminescent sign products are testing according DIN67510 and ISO17398 and classified according to Grade and is as follows, with reference to the PSPA rating:
- Class A – Cost effective photoluminescence.
- Class B – High performance in bright lighting conditions.
- Class C – High performance under low lighting conditions.
- Class D – Very high initial performance, with photoluminescence remaining good for up 60 minutes.
Beside, we supply the range of High bright photoluminescent products. The most frequence used self-adhesive 5cm width LLL strip is available in our online shop RGW Boating (pl-rgw.com). The rest of slef-adhesive vinyl printed signs and rigid signs. Aluminium photoluminescent strip are also available for customizing. Contact Us- (oatdoor.com) to learn more.
