Channel letter signs offer various lighting options – including LED and neon bulbs – when it comes to illumination.
Lighting options for channel letters can make an enormous difference to their look while helping you save on electricity costs.
LED Lights
LED Lights can add an energy-saving edge to channel letter signage, acting as an economical yet long-lasting replacement for traditional bulbs and more energy efficient than CFLs.
LEDs use semiconductor materials to convert electricity to light. Since they do not contain mercury, recycling them is easier.
Pendant lights come in various forms and sizes, including A-shape bulbs with reflectors for enhanced illumination. Perfect for chandeliers, wall sconces, or other fixtures with exposed bulbs.
Some LEDs are coated with phosphor to produce white light while others emit red, green, blue, or amber hues of illumination.
When purchasing LEDs, it’s essential that they match the existing lighting. This will ensure they don’t become too harsh or too cool over time.
CRI (color rendering index) measures the color temperature of LED lights. Lower CRI numbers represent warmer lights such as candlelight; while higher CRI numbers reflect daylight-like conditions. When purchasing new lighting for your business, this factor must be carefully considered.
Neon Lights
Neon lights are among the most versatile signage options, easily adapting to various applications and simple to install.
Neon lights are a type of cold cathode gas-discharge lighting produced by passing an electrical current through a sealed glass tube filled with neon or other noble gases (such as argon, phosphor, xenon or helium). A high potential applied to electrodes ionizes neon gas and causes it to emit brightly colored lights.
Georges Claude first presented his neon lamp invention at the Paris Motor Show in 1910. Working off Moore’s concept, Claude modified Moore’s electrodes so they were larger and cooled more effectively; additionally he eliminated impurities released by hot electrodes that disrupted neon’s glowing qualities and allowed for steady glow production.
Installation
Installing channel letter led lights offers several mounting options, including flush mounting, raceway mounting and backer panel mounting.
A raceway is the go-to solution for mounting letters to building facades. This method ensures flat surfaces for your letters while concealing wiring for illumination.
Alternately, letters can be mounted onto a backer panel which also houses wiring and power supply to achieve a sleeker and modern appearance.
After installing letters, they are painted and any lighting components such as neon gas tubes or light-emitting diode (LED) modules are attached. A translucent plastic face cut to fit the open face of the letter can is fitted; typically from 3/16 inch sheet acrylic fiber or polycarbonate material with an optional trim cap border for an attractive finished appearance.
Channel letter signs illuminated at night are an eye-catcher that draw passers-by’s attention and make an impactful statement about your business or organization. There are various styles and colors of channel letter signs, from front-lit, back-lit and halo-lit versions – each making its mark on passers-by as they pass by.
Maintenance
LED signage lighting can be an eco-friendly way of making an impressionful first impression in business communities. Compared to more traditional neon lights, these modern day beauties require less maintenance – saving both money and hassle in the long run. A professional signmaker can install, service and repair your channel letter lights quickly so you’re back up and running before you can say, ‘aw shucks, my old signage is in the shop”.
Relying on professionals for your LED lighting needs is an intelligent move, and can save a substantial sum in terms of both performance and appearance. Just make sure that you choose a reputable company with outstanding customer service records and superior products.
