Sign Lighting and Power

Contents
• Sign Lighting and Power
• Modern Sign Lighting Options
    • LED Lighting
    • Induction Lighting
• Power Systems and Safety
• Lighting Retrofits & Service
• FAQ: Sign Lighting & Power
• Our Approach
• Ready to Brighten Your Brand?

Sign Lighting and Power

Lighting is the heartbeat of any illuminated sign. Whether we’re building a new cabinet or upgrading an existing one, the type of lighting you choose determines brightness, reliability, and long-term cost. At Sun Sign Company, we design and wire each system to deliver maximum visual impact while keeping energy use low and maintenance simple.

Modern Sign Lighting Options

A decade ago, most illuminated signs relied on fluorescent lamps. Today, that technology is being phased out in favor of LED lighting, which now leads the industry for efficiency, color consistency, and longevity. We’ve tested nearly every lighting type available, and our recommendations are based on real-world results from hundreds of sign installations across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

LED Lighting

• Efficiency and longevity: Quality LED modules typically last 50,000–100,000 hours and are backed by 7–10 year warranties.
• Low voltage operation: LEDs run on 12V or 24V and are powered through electronic power supplies that convert 120V to low voltage output.
• Optical precision: Prism lenses scatter light evenly inside cabinets to reduce hot spots and produce smooth illumination.
• Flexible formats: Modules, light bars (single/double-sided), and edge-lighting options; many support dimming and adjustable color temperature.
• Color options: From warm to cool whites; some systems allow hue/brightness adjustments for specialty branding applications.

Induction Lighting

While LED has become the default choice, induction lamps still have their place—especially in high-rise or industrial applications where maintenance access is limited. Induction lighting uses electromagnetic fields to excite gas within a sealed bulb, producing bright, uniform light with extremely long lifespans (often 60,000+ hours). Because they generate less heat and require fewer service calls, they remain a solid option for certain large-scale or hard-to-reach signage installations.

Power Systems and Safety

Behind every illuminated sign is a power system engineered for safety and reliability. LEDs require dedicated power supplies that convert incoming voltage to the correct output range. These systems must be correctly rated for the total load and housed in weather-protected enclosures.

Electricity and signage don’t mix casually. For that reason, Sun Sign Company employs a certified electrician who ensures every installation meets UL and local code requirements. Whenever permitting or inspections are involved, our team handles all electrical integration and documentation to guarantee compliance and peace of mind.

Lighting Retrofits & Service

If your existing sign still looks good but the lamps have failed or grown dim, a lighting retrofit can make it shine like new again—often with 70–80% less power consumption. We remove aging fluorescent tubes or high-voltage components and replace them with modern LED systems that run cooler, brighter, and longer.

Our service trucks can reach signage up to 110 feet high, allowing us to safely access and service high-rise signs, pylon cabinets, and other hard-to-reach locations where lighting repairs or replacements are needed. Whether it’s a parking-lot pole sign, industrial complex, or multi-tenant structure, we have the equipment and expertise to get it done safely and efficiently.

FAQ: Sign Lighting & Power

How long do quality LEDs actually last?

Top-tier modules are rated for 50,000–100,000 hours. We specify products with 7–10 year warranties and unlimited burn time for the signs we build.

What’s the difference between 12V and 24V LED systems?

12V is common for shorter runs and smaller cabinets; 24V can reduce current and voltage drop on longer runs. We choose based on cabinet size, wiring distance, and power supply placement.

Can you retrofit my existing fluorescent-lit sign to LED?

Yes. We remove aging components and install LED modules and power supplies designed for your cabinet. Many customers see 70–80% energy savings and brighter, more even illumination. Learn more on our Sign Service & Repair page.

Do I need new sign faces when I upgrade lighting?

Often, yes. LED-optimized sign faces and diffusers prevent blotching, banding and hot-spotting . We’ll evaluate your existing faces and recommend whether refacing will materially improve the final look.

Can I dim LEDs or adjust color temperature?

Many systems support dimming and offer a range of color temperatures from warm to cool. We can integrate controls to match your brand and ambient light conditions.

What fails more often—the LEDs or the power supplies?

With quality components, both are reliable. In the rare event of an issue, it’s more commonly a power supply. We specify appropriately sized, well-ventilated supplies and service them as needed.

Our Approach

We don’t just choose lighting based on what’s trendy. We choose it based on what performs. Our fabrication and service data over the years have shown that investing in quality illumination products dramatically reduces long-term maintenance costs. The result is a sign that not only looks great on day one but continues to project your brand clearly for years to come.

Ready to Brighten Your Brand?

If your sign is fading, flickering, or overdue for a lighting upgrade, Sun Sign Company can help. We design and install complete lighting systems—from cabinet retrofits to full rebuilds—tailored for long-term performance.

Call us today or request a quote online to discuss lighting options that make your business stand out day and night.