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LED Lighting
(Light-emitting diode): Fad or Future?
LED lighting is a technological breakthrough in
illumination. Virtually all areas of our lives where
illumination is required LED lighting is the
preferred source. In the near future everything from
cross-walk signals to office lighting will be
powered by LED lighting. This lighting revolution is
especially significant for the signage industry,
where the impact of LED lighting and its unlimited
application are comparable to the World Wide Web’s
influence on the internet.
Why LED Lighting is leading the way …
Unlike neon lighting which has been the main force
of illumination in signage, LED lighting does not
use excessive power. This means less cost and
unnecessary waste of energy – something which is
uppermost in the minds of both individual and
commercial consumers. The savings may appear minimal
if you require only one sign. Over the life of that
sign, however, this savings could translate into a
substantial amount – a factor which will influence
not only your bottom line but, by extension, the
bottom line of your client’s. Certainly with larger
endeavours, the impact on electricity costs is
profound. For example, at the municipal level a
change to LED lighting for street signs means a
dramatically lower electricity bill for the city in
question. This, in turn, affects every citizen of
that municipality in terms of tax dollars! It is
obvious that the ripple effect of energy consumption
cannot be denied and any technology which improves
our consumption, even marginally, is one that must
be considered.
Your initial investment to produce LED signage as
compared to Neon or Fluorescent signage will be a
bit more – about 5%. Over the life of the product,
however, if you consider the energy savings, you’ll
recoup that and then some. Although there is another
factor to take into account when considering costs –
and that is maintenance. LED lighting is less likely
to require maintenance due to breakage than its Neon
and Fluorescent counterparts. Over the life of the
product the savings are huge!
Less cost and consumption, but is it safe?
Safety is another important factor to be considered.
LED lighting’s energy consumption is minimal - in
fact it may be compared to that of garden lighting!
This low voltage requirement means LED lighting
produces less heat and is therefore less likely than
its neon counterpart to be a fire hazard.
Consequently, depending on the area or municipality,
electrical inspection approval for signage may not
be required. Nonetheless, whether or not approval is
required, LED lighting definitely means electrical
inspection approval will be substantially easier to
obtain.
Unlike neon and
fluorescent lighting, LED lighting does not contain
mercury, an element so toxic that its industrial and
commercial uses are regulated in many countries.
Concerns regarding its use in thermometers, for
example, have meant it has been phased out in
clinical environments in favour of alternate-based
instruments. Although every attempt is made to
ensure that all neon and fluorescent lighting is
safe, the risk remains. Conversely, because LED
lighting is mercury-free, it does not present a
health risk.
That’s great, but does it apply to us?
The possibilities for LED Lighting are many and
varied. For those with an eye on the environment
along with their pocket-book, the energy savings is
a draw. Reduced maintenance is critical for everyone
but especially for those whose signage dramatically
impacts their ability to function at optimum
performance. Finally, for all who come in contact
with your signage, LED Lighting provides the
confidence of product that does not present a safety
risk.
A creative leader in their community, The Art
Gallery of Hamilton is also a trailblazer in the
application of this revolutionary technology. In
conjunction with Sunset Neon, their flagship
sign was developed and is illuminated with LED
Lighting. Marvin Platte of EM Plastics, a supplier
for Sunset Neon on the project agrees with
the recommendation of the GE Lumination brand of LED
Lighting:
“Due to the complex accessibility of this sign,
installation and maintenance was a major
consideration. Installed ten stories up and away
from the building, a service call would require
closing one of the busiest streets in Hamilton for
hours, at substantial cost. And that is why LED
Lighting is favoured over neon that often requires
service calls - LED Lighting ships without damage
and functions without failure! And, as people
recognize the positive environmental impact of LED
Lighting – no mercury; virtually no heat; low
electric consumption and long life – the demand for
LED Lighting is bound to increase."
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Wayfinding Signs
Lost?
Have you ever barreled into a building pressed for
time, clasping a room number, confident you could
navigate your way using the signs provided, only to
find yourself, within minutes, staring at the blank
wall of a dead end corridor? Frustrated and angry,
you either give up or ask for directions; entering
your meeting or class late and discouraged. If it’s
a hospital emergency area you’re attempting to
locate, the consequences may be more profound.
Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs …
Wayfinding signs. Who thinks of them? No one, until
you get lost. The design and application of
wayfinding signage reflects the professionalism and
integrity of an institution. Certainly aesthetic
appeal is important in wayfinding signs, however,
more is at stake than professional appearance.
Successful wayfinding signage serves an important
purpose: wayfinding signs provide a cognitive map
allowing your patrons to navigate your facility with
ease and expediency.
Found!
It’s a new day. You walk into a building intent on
beating the system! To your immense pleasure you
board the correct elevator, land on the floor you
desire, confronted by an attractive, well-lit
wayfinding sign that practically reaches out and
grabs you, screaming: that way! You walk into your
meeting full of confidence and energy.
Wayfinding 101
Clearly, there’s more to wayfinding systems than
slapping up a few exit signs and arrows. Behind
successful wayfinding systems are professional
wayfinding designers who take many interrelated
factors into consideration. Certainly aesthetic
appeal is crucial - if your wayfinding signage is
attractive it is more likely to be considered.
Wayfinding signage must also be legible; text colour
and size are an issue, as are the background and
surrounding area. Demographics also come into play –
the wayfinding system designed for a Montessori
School will differ from that of a Retirement or
Nursing Home. Continuity is essential. Ultimately,
your wayfinding system must flow, offering
universally appeal and proper direction.
Success Stories
The Art Gallery of Hamilton hired
professional wayfinding designer, Udo Schliemann
of Gottschalk and Ash to design and integrate
their wayfinding signage system.
The University of Toronto engaged the
services of professional wayfinding designers,
Gottschalk and Ash to ensure that the students,
faculty and visitors could easily navigate the
Leslie Dan Pharmacy Building.
For the past 5 years the Greater Toronto Airports
Authority (GTAA) has been working with
professional wayfinding signage designer, Glenn
Downer, of On land Inc., implementing a complex and
ever-expanding wayfinding system.
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Sunset Neon Custom Signage is
your total sign company!
