Illuminated signage is one of the most effective ways to make your business visible and recognizable. One detail that many business owners overlook is controlling when the sign turns on and off.
Installing a timer for your electric sign is a simple way to protect your investment, reduce energy costs, and make sure your sign operates only when it needs to.
Why sign timers are important
Electric signs are designed to attract attention when lighting conditions are low. During the daytime, the illumination inside the sign is usually unnecessary.
Leaving a sign illuminated during daylight hours wastes electricity and adds unnecessary operating hours to the internal electrical components.
Running a sign longer than necessary can shorten the lifespan of components such as:
• LED modules
• Power supplies
• Wiring connections
A timer solves this problem by automatically turning the sign on and off based on a schedule. Most businesses set their signs to turn on around dusk and turn off later in the evening when the business closes.
This allows the sign to do its job when it is most visible while reducing unnecessary power use during the day.
Who installs the timer
A timer must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Sign companies fabricate and install the sign itself, but electrical work is part of the building’s electrical system. Connecting timers and wiring the circuit must be done by a qualified electrician.
If you are installing a new sign, the electrician can install the timer at the same time they run the dedicated circuit for the signage.
If you already have an illuminated sign installed, adding a timer is usually a very straightforward addition.
Where the timer is installed
A timer is installed directly in the electrical circuit that feeds power to the sign.
The timer sits between the circuit breaker and the electrical components of the sign. This allows the timer to control when electricity is allowed to flow to the sign.
Depending on the building, the timer may be installed in one of several locations:
• Inside the electrical panel near the breaker for the sign
• In a wall mounted timer switch box inside the building
• In a weatherproof electrical enclosure near the sign circuit
The electrician will determine the correct location based on how the sign is wired and where the circuit originates.
Timer vs photocell
Sometimes electricians install both a timer and a photocell. A photocell is a light sensor that turns lights on when it gets dark.
When both are used together they can work like this:
• Photocell turns the sign on automatically at dusk
• Timer shuts the sign off later at night
This combination prevents the sign from turning on during the daytime while also ensuring it does not stay on all night.
Where to buy a timer for your sign
Most electricians will provide the timer themselves, but timers are widely available through electrical supply houses and hardware retailers.
Common places to purchase sign timers include:
• electrical supply distributors
• home improvement stores
• online retailers
Well known timer brands used for signage include:
• Intermatic
• Tork
• Leviton
When choosing a timer, it should be rated for:
• the voltage of the sign circuit such as 120V or 277V
• the electrical load of the sign
• outdoor or commercial lighting if installed outside
Your electrician will be able to select the right model for your sign.
A small upgrade that protects your sign
Adding a timer is a small step that can make a big difference in the long term performance of your sign.
A properly installed timer helps:
• reduce energy use
• extend the life of electrical components
• automate the daily operation of the sign
• ensure the sign operates only when it is needed
If you are planning a new sign or upgrading an existing one, we recommend coordinating with your electrician to install a timer on the circuit that powers the sign.