Service + Repair

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT CLSC AND SIGN REPAIR

Luckily, other people make signs because most of the signs that we service and repair are not signs we manufactured. CLSC takes care and time to make sure that the wiring components and design of the sign includes consideration for keeping your sign illuminated as long as possible. This includes making sure the wiring is positioned so that the water drips off the wire and does not go into the connection to the lamp or neon unit. We take that same care in servicing others signs. We can service your immediate problem as well as making you at least aware of, if not performing preventative maintenance on issues you may have in the future.

Time is charged on a portal to portal basis. Basic information about CLSC’s sign repair. Capable of expert repairs to neon, fluorescent, LED, cold cathode and fiber optic signs. Service calls get a 2 to 3 working day response time in most cases?. If we are not able to meet this time line, we will make you aware of this when you call us. Service truck reaches to 51’ – other equipment also available for special circumstances.
Service techs are fully licensed sign electricians.

Some important things to consider about servicing your sign or lighting displays.

1) Know what type of sign you want serviced. (See Types of Signs to help w/ description)
2) Consider parking for the service truck, time restrictions, street parking, access &
pedestrians.
3) Access to sign components – many signs have electrical components located
remotely in soffits, roofs or ceiling areas. Especially signs with flush mounted
letters. Any information on this will help the service tech.
4) Know how to turn the power on & off to your sign or know the location of the
breakers, timeclocks, contactors and/or photocells so the service tech can turn
them on & off while checking out your problem.
5) Have a good description of the problem you are having with your sign. Also
helpful is some of the history of the sign & previous service calls.

Many sign repairs can be completed with only one visit, but some problems will need to be repaired in our shop or parts ordered. These all require (2) trips to your business. While on site the service tech can repair only what is needed or they can also do some preventive maintenance, whatever your preference.

SIGN CARE PROGRAM
Become a preferred customer and get the most out of your sign. You go to the doctor to check out the health of your body and you take your car in for regular maintenance. So the same attention and care should be given to your sign. Did you know that a dirty sign not only dulls your sign but can contribute to your sign going out. Particularly in the Northwest, a lot of rain and dirt gets inside your sign. City Lights Sign Co takes care to make our wiring connections so that the rain that gets inside the sign will not cause signs to short out. That is why we have such a high percentage of signs that do not need service work (except possible HO lamp replacement) in that first seven years. The build up of water and dirt inside a sign will ultimately cause electrical problems in your sign?. shorting out sockets, causing wiring to short out. ALSO, with back lit signs, the inside of your face is usually dirtier than the front of that face. If you want your sign to shine its brightest, the inside needs to be cleaned. So even if your sign is working properly, you can improve its look and brightness, and protect it from going out the day after Thanksgiving by calling in for our Sign Care Maintenance. This maintenance includes cleaning your sign and checking all wiring and lamp connections in your sign. A written report will be provided and our Journeyman Service Tech will go over with you any concerns or suggestions about your sign’s inner workings?. If you want to sign up for a yearly or bi-yearly check, City Lights will schedule the maintenance for you and you will receive a discount for being one of our sign care members.

COMMON PROBLEMS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF SIGNS

Neon
Most problems with neon are caused by broken or faulty glass units, faulty transformers or burned up wiring & components. When a sign stays in disrepair for very long, other problems start to compound on top of the original problem. If you can’t get it repaired in a timely manner, it is recommended to turn the power off to the sign until the proper repairs can be made. With a broken or faulty glass units, generally red units can be repaired using the existing glass. All other colors have to be remade with new glass due to the mercury content inside the glass units. These colors will also fade in intensity over time, so all new units will be brighter than the existing older units.
All new transformers come equipped with a safety feature of a ground fault interrupter. This means they automatically turn off if they detect any problems. These transformers reset themselves every time the power is turned off to them. If you experience problems with your neon sometimes lighting and sometimes not lighting, generally your sign has a problem with the wire installation/spacing, primary/secondary wires crossing or other various items that the transformer picks up on. This is especially true when it is or has been raining. All these problems can be fixed, but the older the sign, the harder this becomes. Transformers power a pre-determined amount of linear feet of neon, most signs will have multiple transformers. That is why only sections of signs are generally out at one time. If the whole sign is out, then look for the problem with the primary wiring (120 V) breaker, time clocks, switch etc.

Fluorescents (also referred to as HO lamps)
Most problems with fluorescent signs are caused by old lamps, burned wiring, sockets or faulty ballasts. Lamp replacement is usually fairly quick & easy. It is always best to replace all the lamps in the sign at one time. Ballast & wiring repairs require that parts of the sign be taken apart, diagnosed & put back together. Fluorescent signs also contain multiple ballasts (depending on the size of the sign) & have the potential to compound problems if left in disrepair just like neon signs.

LED
Most problems in LED signs are caused by faulty diode units or faulty power supply units. Due to the wide variety of manufactures, most of the components are not brand interchangeable. This means most repairs will have to have replacement components ordered. If you are getting a sign with LEDs, it is a good idea to get and file the name of the LED manufacturer. That information can save you some time and money in getting your sign repaired.

Cold Cathode

Fiber Optics
Most problems with the fiber optic signs are caused by a faulty light source for the power supply. This generally requires replacement of a specialized lamp.

Other services we offer for your existing sign are:
Sign Care Program
Regularly scheduled maintenance
Sign cleaning
Re-painting sign
New sign faces & graphics
Retro-fitting new components into problematic or old signs
Retro-fitting time clocks, photocells, switches or contactors to your existing system for more control of power consumption, or to appease your residence neighbors

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