Signs of the Times - September 2016 - 93

num, or a combination of pig iron and aluminum or stainless-steel screws in mild steel. In addition, Thielen said anodized aluminum generates a thin layer of electricity that isolates aluminum oxide on the surface and prevents humidity from attacking the underlying metal. He also cautioned that penetrating the aluminum oxide layer may require unique treatments. Thielen noted that LED circuits, even though they operate on lowvoltage DC currents, influence the electrochemical potential (EP) of some fabrication materials, so if the electrical circuits, contacts or wires are exposed to moisture, including high humidity, the DC current increases the ion movement strength and thus the potential for corrosion. See this phenomenon as directly relating to the above study of outside forces affecting longevity. He said that outdoor LED signs fare better when signmakers conform to the above and following precautions: * Create large drain holes (they're less inclined to become obstructed); * Ensure that stranded, DC volt wires are watertight lengthwise; * Pot or waterproof-coat printed circuit boards and connections; * Waterproof interior sign box or channel letter connector blocks (no wire nuts); and * Do not use exposed conductors to provide DC voltage. Ask first Jeff Fassett, president of Aries Graphics (Ventura, CA), the maker of Neon Wizard and LED Wizard software, is also a wizard on LED usage and software. In a recent conversation, I asked what he would advise signmakers regarding their use of LEDs. Without hesitation, Fassett said, "To do their own testing, because the tests will validate any manufacturer's claims on brightness, beam angle, color temperature, lumens and other important aspects." Like ST columnist Nisa Khan, Fassett Cool panel lights No offense, but most LED panel lights are just that, panel lights, but sometimes a job requires something cool - a panel light from the dashboard of a '36 Cord roadster, for example, or a P-51 Mustang instrument board. San Diego-based Visual Communication Co. (VCC), a firm that specializes in innovative LED, incandescent, neon and specialty indicator lights and light pipes, has introduced its L65 Series, a 5mm LED, front panel snap-in light that features a 30° or 45° viewing angle and an advanced reflector system to maximize brightness, even in daylight situations. In addition to its attractiveness, the shock- and impact-resistant L65 Series lamps - available as 2-24VDC - are water- and oil-resistant when installed with an O-ring gasket accessory. www.vcclight.com notes that few consistent standards exist for LEDs, thus your own shop's testing is one way to know the product. "You won't really understand what you've got until you test it yourself," Fassett said. He also said signmakers should inquire with their supplier as to where their LEDs are built, what materials are used and how the manufacturer - or the seller - tests them. Fassett said LED suppliers are experiencing an expanding and more assertive market, so LED prices have become more competitive, supplier choices have increased and industry consolidations are shaking out weaker players. Fassett advised that signshop work orders and costing files contain a summary of the LED components and any unusual or new fabrication methods, as well as the LED layout file, as a reference for any future work changes, warranty work or repairs. If possible, the work order should record the number of LED modules and their density (modules per sq. ft.), plus power supply details and other relevant notes. Such information, if created and kept in-house, allows a signshop to independently evaluate their LED-based sign projects both when delivered and when maintenance is due, in order to make intelligent decisions on future LED jobs. Khan, in her June column (p. 32) said LED illumination isn't intuitive, but that many lamp buyers believe LED illumination corresponds to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. She also said the lighting industry's currently specified parameters aren't sufficient to comprehensively describe illumination and that the worldwide absence of illumination standards presents challenges for both manufacturers and users when comparing values for an appropriate set of characteristics from different lamps. Her observation relates to Fassett's caution for signmakers to test the LEDs and any relative luminaires themselves, to know and understand the outcomes. ■ SIGNS OF THE TIMES www.signweb.com 93 http://www.vcclight.com http://www.signweb.com

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