Preparing for an Electric Sign Installation: What to Plan Before Your Sign Goes Up
Installing an illuminated sign involves more than just choosing a design and mounting it to the building. Proper electrical planning is essential for the sign to function safely and reliably. Whether you are installing signage on a new construction project or adding a sign to an existing building, there are a few important things to plan for ahead of time.
Dedicated circuit for signage
Illuminated signs require their own dedicated electrical circuit. This ensures the sign has a reliable power source and prevents it from sharing power with other building systems. A licensed electrician should install this circuit and run power to the location where the sign will be mounted. Planning for this early avoids complications during installation.
New construction vs existing buildings
Electrical planning is much easier during new construction because power can be routed through the wall exactly where the sign will be installed. Builders can plan conduit, junction boxes, and access points before the exterior finishes are installed.
With existing buildings, the process can require a little more creativity. Electricians may need to run conduit along the exterior of the building or find interior access points behind the sign location. Planning ahead helps reduce extra labor and prevents visible electrical runs where possible.
Permitting for outdoor signs
Most exterior signs require permits before they can be installed. Cities regulate signage to control things like size, placement, lighting, and visibility. The permitting process usually involves submitting drawings that show the sign design, dimensions, mounting method, and electrical details.
For illuminated signs, the permit will often include both a sign permit and an electrical permit. The electrical permit is typically handled by the licensed electrician who installs the dedicated circuit and connects the sign to power.
Permit requirements vary widely by city. Some municipalities require engineered drawings, landlord approvals, or review by planning departments or historic districts before a permit will be issued. Because of this, permitting can sometimes take several weeks depending on the jurisdiction.
Working with a sign company that is familiar with local codes can help simplify the process. Experienced sign companies will typically prepare the drawings and submit the permit applications on behalf of the client, helping ensure the sign meets local regulations before fabrication begins.
Planning for permitting early in the process can prevent delays and help ensure your sign installation goes smoothly.
UL certification for illuminated signs
Most illuminated signs must meet UL safety standards. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent organization that tests and certifies electrical products for safety. Signs that contain electrical components such as LED modules, power supplies, and wiring are often required to be UL listed or built in a UL certified shop. Many cities require a UL label before an illuminated sign can pass electrical inspection.
Access to power
Illuminated signs require reliable access to power wherever the sign is installed. Planning for electrical access ahead of time is one of the most important steps in preparing for a sign installation.
For wall-mounted signs, power typically needs to be available behind the sign location inside the building. Electricians will run wiring to the area behind the wall so the sign can be connected safely and cleanly without exposed wiring. This also allows access to electrical components if maintenance is needed later.
For freestanding signs, such as monument signs or signs located near a roadway, power will need to be brought underground to the sign location. This usually involves running conduit from the building or electrical panel to the sign site so the sign can be connected once it is installed.
Because signs can be installed in many different locations on a property, it is important to think about where the sign will be placed and how power will reach it. Planning for electrical access early helps avoid delays and ensures the installation goes smoothly.
Power and wiring for channel letters
For individual illuminated letters, each letter requires low voltage wiring from a power supply. Typically, each letter will have a small hole drilled through the wall or sign cabinet so the wire can pass through and connect to the electrical system behind the surface.
The LED power supplies that run the letters are usually installed in one of two places: inside an electrical box behind the wall or inside the sign cabinet that the letters are mounted to. Keeping these components protected and accessible ensures the sign can be safely maintained in the future.
Timers and electrical controls
Most illuminated signs should also be connected to a timer installed by a licensed electrician. This allows the sign to automatically turn on at dusk and turn off late at night or when the business closes. Timers help reduce energy use and extend the lifespan of the lighting components.
Planning ahead makes installation easier
The best sign installations happen when electrical planning is part of the early design process. By planning the dedicated circuit, wiring paths, access points, and timer controls ahead of time, businesses can avoid installation delays and ensure their signage works exactly as intended.
If you are planning a new sign and are unsure what electrical preparation your building needs, a qualified sign company can help coordinate with your electrician and guide you through the process from design to installation.