How does the user create an Exit/Emergency Part Number?

SIMKAR part numbers are simple:

1. Identify the product series. (SLED)
2. If applicable specify battery backup or AC operation. (B)
3. If applicable specify the number of faces needed for the desired application. (1)
4. If applicable specify the color of the lettering (red or green). (R)
5. Specify the housing color. (W)
6. If applicable specify an option (i.e. cord and plug, remote capable). (C)

What if the user wants a two faced Edge Lit Light?

SIMKAR's Edge Lit is single faced as standard. To order a double faced unit use a 2 in the part number or purchase either a 2R (red) or 2G (green) for a double faced assembly. SIMKAR recommends stocking/ordering the single faced unit and double faced assemblies in either green or red depending on local codes.

Is there an option to order the Combo/Emergency light fixtures without lamps?

No, all emergency lighting heads are standard with 5.4 watt incandescent lamps.

What is so important about universal voltage?

All SIMKAR exit and emergency lighting has universal voltage. This allows for distributors to carry less inventory and no mixups in the field as the units can operate with either 120 or 277 volts.

Why is degree of rotation for lighting heads so important?

Degrees of rotation identify where the light can be directed from the lighting heads. SIMKAR's lighting heads are designed for use in almost any position. SIMKAR's Combo Light (SCLI) is equipped with lighting heads that swivel 360°. This allows the user to install this unit in any configuration and be able to illuminate the desired area during emergency operation. SIMKAR's Emergency Light (SEM) is equipped with lighting heads, which swivel 180°.

Why a thermoplastic housing?

A plastic non-metallic housing is really the choice of the customer these days. People have gotten away from the metal box type look. They prefer a rounded corner look. Plastic also works great for damp locations where the metal units would be susceptible to rust. All SIMKAR Exit and Emergency Lights have a thermoplastic housing except for the Edge Lit, which is aluminum.

What is Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)?

It is a feature in battery backup units where it activates to prevent the battery from deep discharge, but not before the minimum 90-minute emergency operation. All SIMKAR Battery Backup units have LVD.

What is deep battery discharge?

Deep battery discharge occurs when the battery is permitted to drain all the way down to where it is totally depleted. This deep discharge affects future performance, as the battery is not able to hold a charge as well and consequently will cause the light not to stay on as long as required. All SIMKAR fixtures with battery backups are equipped with LVD to avoid deep battery discharge.

What is the SIMKAR Exit/Emergency light warranty?

Five year warranty on all electronics and housing. LEDs are warranted for 25 years. Batteries are pro-rated warranted for 5 years.

What if fixtures are not operating properly?

AC Units - Check the power first. If the power is on and the AC unit is not operational then there is likely a problem with the PC board, contact SIMKAR for replacement parts.

Battery Backup Units - Check the power first. If power is on, check the battery with a voltmeter. If the battery is not showing a reading close to the proper voltage (4.8 volt DC on LED battery back up units, 6 volt DC on other battery backup units) then the battery should be replaced. Batteries subjected to extreme temperatures, conditions, or exceeding the pro-rated 5 year warranty sometimes do not work properly. Contact SIMKAR for a replacement battery.

How long does the Exit/Emergency light take to light once power is off?

Once power is disconnected or disrupted Exit/Emergency lights with battery backups will illuminate immediately.

What happens if the sprinklers are activated?

SIMKAR LED Exit light (SLED), Emergency Light (SEM) and Edge Lit Exit (SEL) are ETL Damp Location Listed, which means they are water-resistant and will operate under damp locations. If the sprinklers have been activated it is recommended that the fixture be opened for removing of any water once the sprinklers have been turned off.

Do batteries have the charge to illuminate immediately after installation or do they require charge time?

Although batteries hold a minimal charge and will work immediately, they require a charge time, 12 hours, to ensure the required 90-minute emergency operation.

What should the user do if the battery is not functioning correctly?

Make sure all electrical connections are properly made. If the battery is still not functioning correctly contact SIMKAR for a replacement battery, toll-free phone number (800) 523-3602. SIMKAR batteries are pro-rated for 5 years under our warranty.

Can a user field install a battery into AC Exit units?

No. The user must purchase a battery backup unit.

Does SIMKAR have an automatic test feature, self-diagnostic?

Yes. Self-test features are available on a range of our Exit & Emergency products, and these products automatically perform required NFPA and NEC code-compliant testing. Please refer to our Exit & Emergency catalog for more information.

How do SIMKAR batteries compare with the other battery types on the market?

Lead Acid batteries, commonly used in automobiles, are dependable and safe. SIMKAR Combo Light (SCLI), Edge Lit (SEL), and Emergency Light (SEM) are equipped with Lead Acid batteries. SIMKAR's LED Exit (SLED) is equipped with a Nickel Cadmium battery. Nickel Cadmium is 2-3 times more expensive than lead calcium (common emergency battery type). Nickel Cadmium has a longer service life than lead calcium (12 versus 5 years). Nickel Cadmium performs better at colder temperatures.

Are Nickel Cadmium and/or Lead Acid safe for the environment?

Yes, as long as disposed of properly. Consult SIMKAR for a local recycling center, toll free phone number (800) 523-3602.

If a chevron (directional arrow) is pushed out can it be put back in?

Yes. If the planned application is changed the arrow can be replaced so the unit can be mounted in a different configuration.

If the Edge lit arrow is put on in error can it be taken off?

Yes. If the planned application is changed the arrow can be removed. Directional arrows are vinyl with an industrial strength adhesive. They can be replaced if needed. Note SIMKAR Edge Lit units are equipped with a stencil to ensure arrow placement in compliance with national and local codes. If the stencil is removed the user must comply with these codes when reapplying the arrow.

Does it leave a mark on the fixture?

No. The adhesive pulls off the fixture and does not leave a residue.

What type of LEDs are in the Exit lights?

SIMKAR Exits use GaAlAs type LEDs on the red sign and Gas Phase Epitaxial type LEDs on the green sign.

What if the user wants a red Exit but purchased a green unit?

The LED lamps determine the color. The user cannot convert a red unit to a green unit or vice versa. The user should contact SIMKAR to purchase the desired unit.

What if the user wants to convert an incandescent unit to an energy-efficient LED?

Unscrew the incandescent lamps and replace them with LED RET HW (for hard-wired units) or LED RET AD (adapter kit for screw in units). LED RET HW are available with red LEDs only. LED RET AD are available with red (suffix R) or green (suffix G) LEDs.

Do the emergency lighting heads accept different wattage lamps?

Yes. SIMKAR Emergency lighting heads are designed for use with 5.4 watt lamps, yet they will accept different wattage lamps. SIMKAR does not recommend using different wattage lamps because the life and light output of the lamp could be negatively affected. When the fixture is in emergency mode, the lamps will either stay on longer if they are of a lower wattage than 5.4 watt, or not as long if they are a higher wattage.

Are SIMKAR Emergency lighting heads capable of accepting halogen lamps instead of incandescent?

No. All SIMKAR emergency lighting heads accept incandescent 5.4 watt lamps. Halogen and other incandescent lamps require different sockets, which are not offered in the SIMKAR emergency lights.

Which units accept remote heads?

The Combo Light (SCLI) and Emergency light (SEM) will power up to two additional 5.4 watt heads only when ordered with the larger battery installed. This is designated in SIMKAR nomenclature by adding "REM" at the end of the catalog number. Also, our Heavy Duty Emergency light (SHDEM) will drive additional remotes.

Can a user field install a remote-capable battery into the SIMKAR Emergency light?

Yes. The Emergency light housing accepts both the standard battery and the remote-capable battery. However, the user must use the existing leads to power the remote lighting head.

Are all of the remote heads capable of outdoor/indoor use?

No. While all remote heads can be used indoors, only the REM-WP is weatherproof for outdoor use.

What is the preferred product to use when supplying emergency power to remotely mount lamp heads?

SIMKAR recommends using a 12 volt remote head for applications requiring a long run (more than 25 feet).

What is UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) listed?

UL is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. UL sets standards by which manufacturer's must comply to mark as UL listed.

What is C-UL?

C-UL is a mark used by UL, when they have tested product in the United States to Canadian safety requirements. Those exit and emergency products labeled as C-UL have been tested to C860.

What is ETL (Electrotechnical laboratory) listed?

ETL listed to the UL924 standard, and meets or exceeds the mandated requirements of NFPA70, OSHA, and NEC.

Where should green Exit lights be used?

There are certain states and cities in the USA that have regional codes that require GREEN for the exit signs. There are also new construction jobs that can be specified by the engineer or architect to be GREEN in any area of the country. SIMKAR recommends the user checks with the local codes.