LED Signage Retrofit Services for Older Lit Signs

Retrofit is worth considering when the sign works structurally but the lighting is giving trouble:

• Lightboxes and pylons with fluorescent tubes that flicker, dim or fail
• Channel letters with failing neon tubing or transformers
• Signs that are patchy, discoloured or uneven at night
• Cabinets where ballasts and starters are repeatedly failing
• Multi-site brands that want consistent lighting across older signs
• Signs that need to be dimmable or easier to maintain

If the cabinet is corroded, the face is cracked or the brand has changed, a new sign such as a LED lightbox may be a better investment than a retrofit.

The approach depends on what you have:

• Fluorescent lightbox conversion: tubes and ballasts are removed and replaced by LED modules or strips with a suitable driver
• Neon replacement: glass tube and high-voltage transformers are replaced by LED modules in channel letters or by LED neon flex
• Pylon and double-sided cabinet upgrade: modules are fixed behind each face
• New faces and conversion: faded faces can be replaced at the same time

We aim to reuse sound cabinets and structure. After inspection, we tell you honestly if the sign is not worth converting.

A retrofit reuses the existing cabinet, so its condition matters. We inspect the frame, fixings, paint and sealing, and treat or repaint where required. Where faces are replaced, we use opal acrylic or other suitable materials with applied vinyl graphics. New internal reflectors or white-painted interiors help spread the light evenly. See materials and finishes.

LED modules are laid out to match the cabinet depth and face size so the light is even without hot spots. Colour temperature is selected to match the brand and the remaining signs on site, so a converted sign does not look odd beside an untouched one. New drivers sit in an accessible position and can allow dimming and timers or photocells.

Colour-changing upgrades are subject to technical assessment and confirmed availability, and we only recommend them where the sign design suits it. We do not state a specific energy saving in advance, as it depends on the old and new lamp loads, but we can explain what to expect once we have inspected the sign.

LED signage repairs fix a fault on a sign that is already LED. Choose retrofit when the lighting technology itself is the problem. LED lightbox signs and custom LED illuminated signs are new builds, appropriate when the cabinet or design is beyond saving.

For converting neon to a similar look, see LED neon flex signs. For a sign being replaced entirely, see signage removal and replacement. Routine care is covered by signage cleaning and maintenance.

• Viewing distance and size: the sign size does not change, but we check that brightness suits the viewing distance. As a rough guide, many designers allow around 25 mm of letter height per 10 m of viewing distance.
• Contrast: face condition and colour affect legibility; yellowed or faded faces are replaced when worthwhile.
• Mounting surface and structure: we check the cabinet, brackets and anchors before reusing them.
• Electrical access: old ballasts and transformers are removed and new drivers fitted. Existing wiring is inspected and, where necessary, replaced. A qualified electrician may be required for certain work.
• Light spill and glare: brightness is matched to the old level or reduced if the old sign was too harsh.
• Weather exposure: water ingress is a common cause of failure; seals and drainage are checked and repaired.
• Access and approvals: structural, electrical and municipal matters are checked at survey stage and may need the landlord, body corporate or municipality. Disposal of old tubes and transformers is arranged responsibly. We do not promise compliance in advance.

• Sign size and cabinet depth
• Number of faces and modules needed
• Condition of the cabinet, wiring and faces
• Replacement of faces or graphics at the same time
• Driver type and any dimming or controls
• Access equipment and installation height
• Number of signs, for multi-site work
• Removal and disposal of old fittings

We quote after inspecting a sign, since the condition of the cabinet shapes the work.

After a retrofit, clean faces with mild soapy water and check that all modules light evenly. Keep the area around drivers accessible and dry. Inspect seals before the rainy season. Our maintenance service and signage cleaning and maintenance help prevent repeat faults.

We arrange surveys and retrofit installations by appointment from our Rivonia base across Gauteng. Older lit signs are found in established commercial and industrial areas such as:

• Signage in Sandton
• Signage in Johannesburg
• Signage in Pretoria
• Signage in Midrand
• Signage in Centurion
• Signage in Germiston