LED Information

LEDs are basically semiconductor devices that convert electrical energy into a distinct color of light. The original gallium arsenide red LED was invented in the 1960s. After the red LED came different colors such as amber and green.

In the early 90's came the development of high-brightness LEDs, which created performance increases that allowed LEDs to mature from indicator lights to sources of illumination.

LEDs offer the advantage of a fast strike/re-strike time, compact size and ease of dimming and control. Engaged in architectural and landscape illumination, cove lighting and wall washing.

LEDs also offer advantages over traditional lighting sources that are not always readily apparent. "Unlike neon, incandescent or fluorescent light sources, LEDs are compact devices that have no filaments to break, no moving parts and no glass components of any kind", states Mike DeMarco, Tetra Product Manager for GELcore. "In addition to being virtually unbreakable, LEDs are low-voltage devices that generate very little heat, contain no mercury and emit a specific wavelength of light that can match the same color of the sign face material."

GELcore's GE Tetra LED system boasts that it is 80% more energy efficient than typical neon channel letter systems. "The inherent benefits of LEDs allow both sign companies and end users to significantly reduce sign installation costs, energy consumption and maintenance costs",

Applications for channel letter illumination

The production, distribution and installation of channel letters are lucrative segments of the sign industry. That is all the more reason why it is important to carefully consider the alternatives available for the light source of channel letters.

It is important that when considering the available illumination choices, that the entire system of channel letters is kept in mind. All of the components such as the power supply, light source, face and backing materials and every other element involved must be coordinated for long-term satisfaction. If you change one variable, some unintended results may occur so it is wise to invest the time to determine what will work best for each project.

The energy savings, ease of installation, and other economical factors should not be overlooked. Maintenance and other factors that affect the application's lifetime cost may cause problems down the road so it is wise to consider the entire assembly as a whole when designing or installing a system.
As an example, a light source change from a clear neon to red LEDs might require a change of front face color in order to diffuse the LEDs' light source characteristics. There may be a need to substitute a transformer which might affect the letter's geometry and minimize prospects of capacitive effects common in high-frequency power supplies.

All of these variables should be considered when deciding to light up channel letters with LEDs instead of neon.

"We've seen two main challenges over the last couple of years. The first has been - how quickly can we educate the growing customer demand on the benefits of the LED system?"

The second challenge GELcore faced late last year was a result of our own success in the marketplace. As with all new technology solutions entering an established market, it takes some time to work out the delicate balance between supply and demand. We needed to be extremely flexible during this period when the market underwent the process of awareness, education, acceptance and adoption of our Tetra LED system as a replacement for neon.

Currently available in red, red-orange, amber, blue, cyan, and green, LED channel lighting systems offer conveniences that will only grow in time. Although LED devices can't always compete with neon in the general sign market in terms of lumen output per linear foot for direct light applications, they can be competitive in certain types of signs and displays like channel lettering.