Sign Builder Illustrated - May 2008 - (Page 63)

Sign Show Extra: TFT LED Contactless System TFT Transfotec International of Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, has announced that its patented T F T L E D C o n t a c t l e s s S y s t e m is providing sign professionals and architects with a totally integrated LED solution for channel letter and cove lighting applications. The TFT LED Contactless System consists of two elements—the LED Contactless module (LCM) and the LED master power supply (LMPS)—and one single stranded wire. The LCM long (six-inch) and short (threeinch) modules are called Econo Brite (15mA comparable to neon), Equi Brite (30mA comparable to neon), and Mega Brite (60mA comparable to neon). The single wire loops through the LCM coils to transmit the energy electromagnetically (ensuring there is not physical contact between the power supply and the modules). The LED Contactless System is also available in two optical geometries: wide angle (for signs of threeinch depth or less) and mini mudule 2.3 angle (for signs with five or more inches of depth). “With our system we can load 750 red LEDs and 564 white LEDs on one power supply, which is uncommon,” says TFT Transfotec Vice President of Sales and Marketing Frank Lussier. “We build our own power supplies. The power factor in our power supplies is a true power factor, so we claim that we have a power far greater than 94 percent. The power you take from the line actually goes to the system. The power supply is a 10V, low-output Class 2 that lights up by high frequency (19,000hz). “We light our LEDs by induction. We use current to illuminate the modules. The Contactless can move along the wire freely. There’s no soldering, cramping, or need for any attachments.” To load the power supply: (1.) Choose the desired LCM family, evaluate how many LCM modules of each size are required for the whole channel letter sign, and count how many unit loads are drawn out by the LCM modules, then (2.) calculate the number of unit loads required for the total linear footage of standard stranded wire (10 linear foot of standard stranded wire = 2 unit loads), and (3.) add both unit loads of Steps 1 and 2 and determine the type and/or number of LMPS required by the complete installation). Lussier points out that another benefit is that there’s no LED overheating with this system, since it’s powered by low AC voltage. “It eliminates contact corrosion typical of DC-powered systems. There’s no polarity, nor is there any black-and-white wires–so you really can’t mess it up.” (Note: Lussier adds that waterproof models are also available for use in exterior applications, which makes it “an interesting choice for architectural lighting projects.”) For more details (or to view installation diagrams), call 800/665-1166 or visit www.transfotec.com. used a lot by the sign industry. However certain types of polycarbonate material are suitable—but this substrate costs significantly more than acrylic.” Sign constructions that require the sign face to serve as an electrical and fire enclosure should select a suitable UL Recognized enclosure rated sign face material from the UL Sign Components Manual (SAM) to ensure that a proper sign face material is used. For example, acrylic may be used when the sign face is intended to serve only as a water shield. In the Works Much of the confusion surrounding LED lighting and LED components may be cleared up soon as a result of work UL is doing with the lighting industry to develop consistent requirements for LED components. As a byproduct of the LED Summit Meeting held in 2006 by UL, Hewitt reports that UL is moving forward in developing an LED component standard for use by all the lighting categories (including luminaries and signs). That standard will be identified as UL 8750. (Note: In addition, the new edition of the Standard for Sign Components UL 879 that will become effective September 5, 2008, has added an entire section for common LED sign components.) When asked more about the future of LED lighting, Richards says that a lot of changes are being considered right now under California Title 24, which covers energy conservation. Often California is the leader in changes like this, and where California goes, other states often follow. “New requirements in California will stipulate that HID/metal halide lamps or need to be pulse-started, as opposed to using the strobe start (which the sign industry has been using).” Richards adds that also under consideration (and with a good chance of being implemented) is the requirement for timers on all signs, so that they’re using energy only at times when they’re really being utilized. Conclusion So to paraphrase Bob Dylan, the codes, they are a-changin’. That means that, if you’re doing the right thing and conscientiously studying the codes, don’t be surprised if, the closer you look, the more they seem to blink on and off. b May 2008 Sign Builder Illustrated 63

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sign Builder Illustrated - May 2008

Sign Builder Illustrated - May 2008 Contents SBI Agenda Quotes & Comments Contributors Costly Concerns Dispatches Sign Show Dateline: Time to Find a New Identity Teaching a New Dog Old Tricks Sign Illumination: It’s Time to Pay Attention Restoring Old Photographs for Digital Printing Price Doesn’t Sell the Signs You Want to Make Architects in LED Codes for Electric Signs: Don’t Get Blindsided! Digital Displays at the Pearl Harbor Museum The Art of Wayfinding Signage Grand Format National Following Traffic Sign Regulations Designs on ADA Signage Painting Professionally SBI Marketplace Imagine-It Graphics

Sign Builder Illustrated - May 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.