Channel Letters

Definition of Channel Letter Signs
Illuminated storefront signs and lighted letters. Channel Letters are individually illuminated letters and graphics. These letters are found everywhere. From shopping malls, to exterior storefront identification, channel letters are the best way to see your business name in lights.

Construction of Channel Letter Signs
These letters are comprised of a U-shaped channel that is made of metal. MAC SIGN CO., INC. uses all aluminum construction in each Channel Letter we make. Though aluminum construction costs slightly more, it has many advantages over steel constructed Channel Letters. Aluminum letters will never rust. Steel letters that rust cause stain damage to the surrounding wall or roof area of you business. Aluminum letters are also lighter than steel and will require less mounting fixtures to be installed onto your roof or wall. Once the channel of the letter is built, custom-blown neon glass is installed. Then the colored letter face is attached to the front of the letter. Each letter is then properly wired to a transformer located in the raceway or remotely, behind the wall, depending on mounting method selected.

Three Types of Channel Letters

The most common type is Standard Channel Letters. These letters are made up of a U-channel base, with colored Plexiglas faces.

Reverse Channel Letters are ones that have metal faces and returns (sides of letters) but have a clear plastic backing. These letters are designed to be mounted an inch or two away from the wall. At night, these letters create a halo-lit effect.

The third type of Channel Letters is one with 'open' faces. Though not actually open, the faces of these letters are clear plastic with the balance of the letters built just like Standard Channel Letters. This allows for the raw neon to be seen, as well as the inside of the U-channel letterform itself. Open Face Channel Letters are very effective for aggressively grabbing attention.

Mounting Methods
Channel Letters can be mounted in one of two ways. They can be mounted either directly to the wall, individually, or mounted on a rectangular box called a raceway. Individually mounted letters look better than raceway mounted letters. To mount letters individually, MAC SIGN CO., INC. first lays out the mounting pattern to your storefront, then drills holes for hanging the letters as well as running the electric through the wall. This superior looking method of mounting Channel Letters also costs slightly more, since raceway mounting takes far less time to install. Raceway mounting is mostly done in our factory. Each letter is pre-spaced and mounted to the raceway. This allows for easier installation, we mount the raceway to the wall rather than each letter, and all necessary wiring is contained primarily in the raceway as well.

UL Listed
Every Channel Letter Mac Sign Company makes is built to UL standards. Most sign companies offer UL listed construction as a premium option with premium option pricing. Nearly every zoning department in nearly every county requires UL Listed signs, and for good reason. Illuminated signs, especially channel letters have many electrical connections. The nature of neon itself allows for the electricity to arc, or jump from the glass to the metal letter itself if not properly constructed. Electric signs need to be properly constructed and wired to prevent any problems.