Signage Technician or Electrician: Who to Call for Sign Repairs? 

If you have an electric sign for your business, you know that repairs are necessary when the lights go out. When this happens, you may wonder who you should call to repair the problem—an electrician or a sign company with specialized sign service technicians. 

Although there is some overlap in the skills that electricians and sign service technicians have, particularly when it comes to working with electrical components, there are some very distinct differences.  

Electricians 

• Electricians are trained to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, machinery, and various structures. Their work covers a wide range of electrical tasks, including wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, lighting, and other electrical components. 

• They handle tasks such as installing electrical systems in new buildings, troubleshooting, repairing electrical issues, and upgrading existing systems. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. 

• Some electricians may specialize in areas such as low-voltage systems, industrial controls, or renewable energy installations. 

Sign Service Technicians 

• Sign service technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing signs, particularly those with electrical components such as illuminated signs, neon signs, LED signs, and digital displays. 

• They focus on tasks specific to signs, such as running electrical connections for sign illumination and ensuring that signs meet safety and local code requirements. They also handle tasks like cleaning and replacing sign components and sign faces. 

Training and Certification 

Electricians typically undergo extensive training, including apprenticeships, and must be licensed. They are required to follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. 

Sign Service Technicians may have specialized training related to signs and often have electrical knowledge, but their training is more specific to the sign industry. Certification can vary by state or region and may not be as standardized as electricians. Most reputable sign companies also require ongoing crane certification for their employees. For companies offering rappelling services, rappelling training and certification are also required before performing this type of work. 

Overall, while both roles require knowledge of electrical systems, electricians have a broader focus on all types of electrical work, whereas sign service technicians specialize in the installation and upkeep of signs with electrical components. 

Vehicles Used

Vehicles for electricians and sign technicians vary greatly due to the specific needs of the job.  

Electricians

• Service Vans are the most common vehicles for electricians. They offer ample storage space for tools, parts, and equipment and are ideal for organizing the diverse range of tools electricians need. 

• Utility Trucks with a flatbed or open cargo area are also suitable for electricians who need to transport larger equipment or when working in outdoor settings. 

Sign Service Technicians

• Bucket Trucks are the most common for sign technicians. They have an extendable boom with a bucket or platform that allows technicians to work at heights, essential for installing and maintaining signs on poles or building facades. They are equipped with storage compartments for tools and materials, and the boom can extend vertically and horizontally. The bucket allows safe access to high places, making them essential for sign installations and repairs at tall heights. 

• Crane Trucks are used for large sign installations to lift heavy signs into place and install pylons that the signs are attached to. Their size makes them ideal when working on tall installations or multi-story buildings where a bucket truck cannot reach them. 

• Service Vans may be used to maintain signs at smaller heights or at ground level. 

Why Choose a Sign Technician for Sign Repair 

• Specialized expertise in sign repairs of various types of signage, including fluorescent, neon, LED, and digital signs. Sign technicians understand the unique requirements and structural aspects of signage that general electricians may not. 

• They are familiar with the specific codes and regulations that apply to signs, which can vary from general electrical work. This ensures compliance with local signage laws and safety standards, including proper disposal of parts. 

• Sign technicians use vehicles that allow them proper access to safely access signs mounted above the ground. Electricians generally do not have this specialized equipment, making it more challenging for them to perform repairs on elevated signs. 

• Sign technicians can handle both electrical and non-electrical aspects of signage repair, such as fixing or replacing panels, frames, or other structural components that electricians might not address. 

When to Consider an Electrician for Sign Repair 

• If the sign’s electrical problem is tied to a broader electrical issue in the building or involves complex electrical systems beyond the sign itself, an electrician might be needed. 

• If the signage repair is part of a larger electrical project or if it involves integration with other electrical systems that electricians typically manage. 

Time and Cost 

Because sign technicians are specifically trained for sign work, they can often diagnose and fix issues more quickly and efficiently than electricians, reducing labor costs and downtime. Hiring an electrician might lead to the need for additional contractors, especially if the job requires specialized signage work or equipment, whereas a sign technician can handle the complete scope of the repair. 

In Summary 

Signs are not just functional; they are also a key part of a business’s branding and appearance. Sign technicians are skilled at ensuring that repairs maintain the visual integrity of the sign, addressing issues like lighting uniformity, color matching, and overall appearance. Their specialized skills, equipment, and knowledge of signage-specific requirements make them uniquely qualified to maintain signage of all types. Electricians, while highly skilled in general electrical work, may lack the specialized expertise and tools necessary for efficient and effective signage repairs.