danhayes1188
New Member
I'm new to this field, trying to figure out the most efficient way to verify "problem letters" when servicing a partially illuminated/malfunctioning sign. Often there is no labeling on power supplies, wires or jbox; Other times the wiring has been altered from the original channel letter wiring diagram, and the changes were not properly recorded on site. This has made it difficult for our shop to accurately predict the length of a job in certain cases. My question is, what is the fastest surefire way to know which letter is powered by which wires and power supply? The methods we currently use include
Using a 9v drill battery, disconnecting the wires to power supply and hooking up to drill terminals briefly to illuminate one letter/ section at a time while the technician's helper reports from outside. (useful when we cannot access power switch)
Disconnecting each power supply from the circuit one by one and keeping good records of when each letters are illuminated.
Using a multimeter to get a baseline for current and voltage, in search of wires with abnormalities which may be causing the illumination issue.
Removing faces wiggling wires to see from access points, inspecting leds, connections, and making sure non insulated circuitry is not touching channel letter walls
I understand it would be quicker to just make sure we sufficiently label the box and power supply every time we service or install an electric sign; that's being addressed as well. I also understand some of these steps are just part of the job, no way around it. But, if anybody has any tips to expediate the process, or any anecdotes about shortcuts that didn't work, I'd love to hear, and it would be much obliged. Thanks for your time
Using a 9v drill battery, disconnecting the wires to power supply and hooking up to drill terminals briefly to illuminate one letter/ section at a time while the technician's helper reports from outside. (useful when we cannot access power switch)
Disconnecting each power supply from the circuit one by one and keeping good records of when each letters are illuminated.
Using a multimeter to get a baseline for current and voltage, in search of wires with abnormalities which may be causing the illumination issue.
Removing faces wiggling wires to see from access points, inspecting leds, connections, and making sure non insulated circuitry is not touching channel letter walls
I understand it would be quicker to just make sure we sufficiently label the box and power supply every time we service or install an electric sign; that's being addressed as well. I also understand some of these steps are just part of the job, no way around it. But, if anybody has any tips to expediate the process, or any anecdotes about shortcuts that didn't work, I'd love to hear, and it would be much obliged. Thanks for your time