Install Outdoor Lighted Signs in 8 Steps

Installing one of the many types of outdoor lighted signs that are available for your home or business, can save you a lot of money if you do the job yourself. Depending upon the size and type of the outdoor sign you want to install, you may need some help. However, installing an outdoor lighted sign can be done if you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Step 1 - Planning Your Location

Determine where the outdoor sign will be installed and run electricity to that point. This may require you to install conduit and wiring inside the wall where the outdoor lighted sign will be installed.

Step 2 – Preparing the Installation Area

Next, you'll need to measure for the installation of the raceways. The raceway is used to attach the sign to the wall and is always required for channel letter signs but may be optional for box type signs. However, using raceways will generally result in a cleaner and neater installation even if you're using a sign box.

To begin the installation of the raceway, measue from both ends of the raceway to find its center or middle point between the attachment holes provided. Hold the raceway up against the wall, then use a pencil to mark the wall where the attachment holes are to be located.

Step 3 - Install the Outlet Box

You will need to install an outlet box in the wall behind where the sign will be attached. It is probably easier to do this if you cut out the interior side of the wall rather than the exterior side. You can choose to use a standard plug-in outlet or simply create a junction box for direct wiring. You also need to drill a single hole through the exterior side of the wall so that the wiring can be passed from the outlet box to the sign itself.

Step 4 - Wire the Outlet Box

Unless you are qualified, you should have had an electrician wire the new circuit for the sign and run the conduit from the breaker box to the installation area. While making sure that the power remains off, connect the wiring from the breaker box to the outlet box and also make sure that the wires leading to the outside for the sign are properly connected as well. Always be sure to use wire caps or electrical tape to ensure that the connections are properly insulated.

Step 5 - Wiring the Sign

Thread the power supply wiring through the wall, then connect the wiring to the neon power transformer connection wiring. You'll probably need someone to help you hold the sign up while you do this. If the sign is particularly big or heavy, you'll need more assistance.

Step 6 - Attaching the Sign

Once you have completed wiring the sign, push any excess cable wire back through the inlet hole and begin bolting the sign in place.

Step 7 - Securing the Sign

If you are attaching the sign to a thick wooden wall, use through-bolts and backer plates to securely hold the sign in place. If the wall is made of a weaker material, you will probably need to use toggle bolts. If possible, use a sheet of plywood for weaker walls; use a sheet of three-quarter inch plywood to help strengthen the sign base. Use a drill bit the same thickness as the bolts so they won't wobble.

Step 8 - Turn the Power On

After you've securely fastened the sign to the wall, check the installation by turning on the breaker for the sign. You can choose to install a switch somewhere at a convenient location so that you don't need to use the breaker box to turn the sign on and off.