Your business sign is working for you around the clock -- but only if it is properly lit. An illuminated sign that flickers, dims, or goes dark sends the wrong message to every potential customer who drives past. Whether you need a new sign connected, an old neon or fluorescent sign converted to energy-efficient LED, or a timer and photocell system to automate your sign lighting, the electrical work behind the sign matters as much as the sign itself.
Unity Power & Light provides sign lighting and electrical services throughout Aiken, SC and the surrounding area. We work with sign companies, property managers, and business owners to deliver reliable, code-compliant electrical connections for every type of commercial sign. From channel letter installations on a strip mall fascia to monument signs at a subdivision entrance, we handle the wiring so your sign stays bright and your electric bill stays reasonable.
What We Do
We handle every aspect of sign electrical work, from running the initial power feed to installing automated controls.
Channel Letter Signs
Channel letters are individually illuminated letters mounted to your building fascia or raceway. Each letter contains LED modules or neon tubing that require a dedicated power supply. We run the circuit, mount the disconnect, and connect the transformer or LED driver.
Monument & Pylon Signs
Freestanding monument and pylon signs require underground conduit runs from your electrical panel to the sign location. We trench and install conduit, pull wire, set the disconnect switch, and connect internal lighting -- whether fluorescent, LED, or externally illuminated.
LED Conversion & Retrofit
If your existing sign runs on neon, fluorescent, or older LED technology, we can convert it to modern LED modules. LED conversions reduce energy consumption by 40 to 70 percent, produce brighter and more even illumination, and dramatically reduce maintenance costs.
Photocell & Timer Controls
Automated controls turn your sign on at dusk and off at dawn -- or on a custom schedule. We install photocells for light-sensing automation, programmable timers for scheduled operation, and combination systems that give you full control over when your sign is illuminated.
Exterior Building Illumination
Floodlights, wall washers, and accent fixtures that illuminate your building facade or architectural features. We install weatherproof fixtures on dedicated circuits with automatic controls to highlight your business after hours and improve visibility from the road.
Sign Permits & Inspections
Illuminated signs in Aiken require an electrical permit and inspection. We handle the permit application, ensure the installation meets NEC requirements for sign circuits, and coordinate the inspection so your sign is approved and operational without delays.
Our Installation Process
Site Assessment & Sign Specifications
We visit your location to evaluate the existing electrical infrastructure, measure the distance from the panel to the sign location, and review the sign manufacturer's electrical requirements. We confirm your panel has capacity for the additional load and identify the best route for the power feed.
Permit & Planning
We pull the required electrical permit and plan the installation. This includes selecting the correct wire gauge, conduit type, disconnect switch rating, and control devices. For monument signs, we coordinate the trenching route to avoid underground utilities.
Run Power & Install Controls
We install the dedicated sign circuit from your electrical panel to the sign location, mount the required disconnect switch within sight of the sign, and wire the photocell or timer control. For channel letters, we connect the LED drivers or transformers and verify each letter illuminates properly.
Test, Inspect & Activate
We test the complete system including the sign, disconnect, controls, and circuit breaker. We verify the photocell triggers correctly at the right light level, confirm timer programming, and schedule the final electrical inspection. Your sign is ready for business.
Why Professional Sign Electrical Matters
Sign electrical work involves outdoor wiring, high-voltage transformers, and code requirements that differ from standard commercial circuits.
NEC Article 600 Requirements
The National Electrical Code dedicates an entire article to electric signs and outline lighting. Requirements include dedicated branch circuits for signs, disconnect switches within sight of the sign, proper grounding of metal sign enclosures, and specific wiring methods for sign internals. Non-compliant installations fail inspection and create safety hazards.
Weatherproof Connections
Sign wiring is exposed to rain, humidity, temperature extremes, and UV radiation. Every connection must use weatherproof enclosures, UV-rated conduit, and properly torqued terminal connections. A loose connection in a sign can arc, overheat, and potentially start a fire inside the sign cabinet.
Proper Load Calculation
Signs with multiple LED drivers, neon transformers, or fluorescent ballasts have specific voltage and amperage requirements. Undersizing the circuit causes voltage drop, dim illumination, and premature component failure. We calculate the total sign load and size the circuit, wire, and breaker to match.
Energy Cost Management
A sign that runs 24 hours a day wastes electricity during daylight hours. A sign on a simple timer misses seasonal daylight changes. Photocell controls ensure your sign operates only when needed, saving energy without manual adjustment. We help you choose the control strategy that fits your business and budget.
Sign Lighting & Electrical Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for sign electrical work. You will receive a detailed quote covering all materials, labor, and permit fees before we begin.
Final pricing depends on the distance from your panel to the sign, the sign's electrical requirements, trenching needs, and existing infrastructure. We provide an exact quote after our site assessment.
For more on sign lighting options, read our blog post: Business Sign Lighting in Aiken, SC
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
We offer a full range of commercial electrical services including parking lot lighting, building power upgrades, and electrical maintenance for businesses throughout the Aiken area.
Need Sign Lighting or Electrical?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.