Tritium Maintenance: What You Need To Know
Tritium lighting is known for being completely maintenance-free. Unlike LEDs or battery-powered lights, tritium works continuously for many years without charging, switching or external power. This makes it ideal for tactical markers, compasses, emergency signs and equipment that must remain visible at all times.
Does Tritium Need Maintenance?
No. Tritium devices require almost no maintenance throughout their entire lifespan.
The sealed vial contains tritium gas and phosphor coating, producing a constant glow for 10 to 25 years depending on the device.
Key reasons maintenance is unnecessary:
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No batteries to replace
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No wiring or power source
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No switches or moving parts
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Gas stays sealed for life
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Radiation level does not increase or fluctuate
For a detailed explanation of how tritium lighting works, see our article on tritium lighting basics.
What You Should Check Periodically
Although tritium does not require servicing, the device housing or environment may need attention.
| Component | What to Check | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Cracks or damage | Protects the sealed vial |
| Mounting points | Loosened screws or brackets | Prevents physical stress |
| Visibility | Dirt, dust, paint | Can reduce glow visibility |
| Labels | Legibility and marking | Needed for compliance and identification |
These checks relate to the equipment, not the tritium vial itself.
Tritium Lifespan and Brightness Loss
Tritium naturally loses brightness as the gas decays.
This is normal and predictable.
Typical tritium lifespan ranges:
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Standard markers: 10 to 15 years
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High-grade vials: 20 to 25 years
Brightness reduces gradually but remains functional for most of the device’s intended life.
What to Do When Tritium Reaches End-of-Life
When the light becomes too dim, the device should be disposed of through regulated channels.
Proper disposal ensures:
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Sealed vials are collected safely
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Tritium is handled according to regulations
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No material enters general waste streams
Most users return expired devices to the supplier or an approved collection point.
Can Tritium Break or Leak?
The sealed glass capsule is designed to withstand impact and environmental stress. Breakage is rare.
If a vial does break:
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The gas disperses quickly into the air
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Environmental concentration becomes extremely low
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It does not remain on surfaces or contaminate soil or water
Summary
Tritium lighting requires no maintenance because it is sealed, self-powered and free of electronics. The only real maintenance involves inspecting the housing or mounting hardware. Tritium remains a reliable, low-visibility illumination source for applications where long-term, maintenance-free performance is essential.
Looking for tritium or a custom solution?
Looking for a custom solution or just need our tritium vials? Get in touch with us, or simply click the button below to explore our full range of tritium vials.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Tritium vials operate without maintenance for their entire lifespan.
Brightness decreases naturally as tritium decays. This is expected and not a sign of damage.
Use an approved disposal or return program so the sealed vials can be collected and recycled safely. We offer disposals, feel free to contact us, if you need any help.
