1. Fluorescent floodlights are ideal for illuminating signs because the rectangular aperture of the fixtures and the linear shape of the lamps match the shape and orientation of most signs. Fluorescent floodlights provide an even, broad-brush lighting effect. In most cases, you can place the fixture relatively close to the sign without creating hot spots. Staying close to the sign or wall reduces the angle of glare from the fixture for passersby.
2. It is not always necessary to illuminate a sign from end-to-end. You can reduce the number of fixtures needed by lighting only the text in the middle of the sign and leaving the blank end sections unlighted. This is particularly true of a sign with a dark-colored background and light-colored text or a sign with no architectural features to highlight.
3. If it is necessary to locate a fixture extremely close to the sign, a hot spot may be created when aiming the fixture at the middle of the sign. Try "misaiming" the fixture to reduce the hot spot. Rotate the fixture away from the sign until the hot spot evens out.
4. When mounting fixtures, keep in mind that people may be walking or driving by the fixtures and be subject to the glare of the fixtures. Consider using external glare shields and internal glare guards when placement alone will not solve the problem.
5. Match the colors of the sign or wall to the color temperature of the lamps used. Each fluorescent lamp is available in at least three ( 3 ) color temperatures: Warm White ( 2700 - 3000K ) which features more light in the red / orange / yellow range, Neutral White ( 3500K ), and Cool White ( 4000K & above ) which features more light in the blue range.
6. Raised or recessed text and logos will create shadows, which may or may not be acceptable. To reduce the shadowing effect the text and logos must be attacked from more than one angle, requiring additional fixtures.
7. When ground-mounting fixtures, remove all plants located between the fixtures and the sign or wall. The plants will only be a maintenance problem, not allowing the fixtures to do their job, when they grow too tall. You might hide the fixtures by planting them between the viewer and the fixtures.
8. Using high lumen T5 lamps, our fluorescent floodlights do an excellent job of wall-washing buildings up to 40 feet in height. Ideally, locate the fixtures away from the wall a distance of approximately half the height of the wall.
SIGN &
WALL-WASH LIGHTING FORMULA:
The symmetrically curved
reflector in a Kelsey-Kane floodlight produces a primary beam spread of 45
degrees off of both ends of the fixture, with the secondary
beam spread extending much further. This feature can reduce the number of
fixtures required to illuminate signs. Use the following formula to space
fixtures apart horizontally for even illumination of signs.
The Formula for every 6" of placement ( P ) of the fixture away from the sign, add
12" to the fixture's length ( F.L. ) to determine the usable sign
illumination ( S.I. ), is as follows:
P" / 6" x 12" + F.L." = S.I."
EXAMPLE: Any 48" Model ( F.L. of 48" ) placed 48" ( P ) away from the sign.
48" P. / 6" ) X 12" + 48" F.L. = 144" or 12' S.I.
Consult the factory for
lighting design assistance. Provide us with the height, width, colors of
the sign or wall, and possible fixture mounting locations.
Below is a photo of the wide beam spread generated from our Weatherproof
Fluorescent Floodlights. The photo shows ( 2 ) WP2TT40C 4-ft. fixtures illuminating a 24 ft. width
by 6 ft. height
monument sign. The fixtures are set back 48" from the sign.
We used 3500K lamps in this instance because there was a mix of warm (gold
letters) and cool (blue tile) colors.
