Signage Education: Electrical Signs

With such a broad term as electric signage, it is easy to see why people associate neon, LED and fiber optics with electric signage. Although these all fit under the electric umbrella, to understand the term electric signage, it is first necessary to determine the basic core or what it is that powers (pun intended) them. Electricity permitted signs to be illuminated by light shining on them, but the real revolution occurred when light bulbs were used to form the images and words on the signs themselves. Light bulbs flashing on and off made new demands on the attention of people passing by. Blinking light bulbs in sequence would also be used to simulate movement. Adding these properties to the mix meant a dramatic transformation of American street scene.

The advent of the twentieth century coincided with the coming of electricity. This gave signs light and, later on, movement. Illuminated signs were not unknown before electricity. Prior to electricity signs had been lit at nighttime by candles and even kerosene and gas. But it is electricity that gave signs widespread use and a prominence they retain today. Also, moving signs were not unknown prior to the advent of electricity, but it was electricity that gave signs an unparalleled range of motion which added yet another element to the life of the street.

In the past it was easy to create a sign and install it in any manner that was deemed fit. However, because of fires, injuries, congested streets and other issues, guidelines or sign codes were developed. Most jurisdictions have adopted their own sign codes. Whether there are existing codes or new ones drawn up by the city or county authorities, these codes are meant to serve as safety measures for the public. They act as a guideline.

By keeping up to date on the latest government regulations and codes SignWorks makes sure that your sign creation will be installed correctly the first time, whether we are installing fluorescent back-lit signs, LED or neon. The placement and the physical parameters of your sign are controlled either by a section of the zoning code or by a separate “sign code” written to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

The two main categories of governmental regulations for electric signs are:
• Material, electrical and structural
• Land use or zoning issues

Material, electrical and structural
Electric or internally illuminated sign are wired to receive power from an electrical utility source and must meet certain weight and wind load standards. Also, most sign manufacturing companies will laboratory test the electrical features of the sign. The laboratories used for testing include Electrical Testing Laboratory and Underwriters Laboratories. A label from a testing laboratory on the sign means that it has met electrical standards.

Land use or zoning issues
There are many different ways to handle zoning issues and most jurisdictions are amenable to a variance that would permit the renovation or retrofit of a building façade in order to enhance a district theme. At SignWorks we try to help our customers overcome certain variances by illustrating the overriding benefit the particular sign would bring to the land-use planning scheme.

Once installed, an electric sign is a semi-permanent fixture. Except for some minor routine maintenance (bulb changing, letter changing, etc.), the installer may never visit the sign again. For example, neon signs can last 50 years, although 20-25 years is more typical. 

The possibilities are unlimited in the realm of electric signage because an electric sign is only limited by the amount of imagination it would take to create it!