Electric Sign and Sign Component Solutions

Testing and certification solutions for electric sign and sign component manufacturers

We offer comprehensive testing, certification and professional training in engineering best practices and regulatory standards to manufacturers of electric signs including portable, stationary, and fixed types with LED, neon, fluorescent, HID, electroluminescent, or incandescent illumination. We can also certify photovoltaic (solar) electric signs that are intended for connection to the power grid or that are only for off the grid use.

Product categories

• Digital Signs
• Electric Signs
• Sign Retrofit Kits

Products and services 

General Coverage electric signs

Our General Coverage program for electric signs provides manufacturers extensive flexibility to design a wide range of signs without having to submit products for evaluation at UL Solutions.

General Coverage Sign certification can be provided for all types of custom-made signs including channel letters, box signs, awning signs, changing message signs and portable signs. Signs can be certified for dry, damp or wet location installation. Signs too large to ship as one assembly can be certified as sections of a sign and assembled in the field.

UL 48, the Standard for Electric Signs, covers electric signs and outline lighting systems intended to be installed in accordance with Article 600 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Edition 15 of the Standard was published by UL Standards & Engagement on Dec. 18, 2023 and includes revisions and clarifications on some materials, marking instructions and other simplifications to class 2 circuit requirements.

Connect with us for testing and certification for standards such as:

• UL 48, the Standard for Electric Signs
• UL 879, the Standard for Electric Sign Components
• ULC 590: the Standard for Design, Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Safety Way Guidance System
• ULC 572: the Standard for Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems

Sign components

The UL iQ™ for Sign Components is designed to be a buyer’s guide for general coverage sign shops and designers. Manufacturers can easily perform parametric searches to quickly identify a list of components that can meet their specific design needs.

Electronic display signs

As sign technology advances so does UL Solutions, providing services for illuminated and nonilluminated changing message signs intended to be installed and connected to an electrical supply source in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

Manufacturers can choose among different certification options for their flat panel digital displays, including evaluation as part of a complete electric sign, CB test certificates or informative test reports for global market access. 

California Title 24 regulation for electric signs

UL Solutions’ combined safety and energy efficiency certification Mark for electric signs is the easiest method to demonstrate compliance with the California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 24, Part 6, section 140.8 regulation for electric signs. 

Sign retrofit kits

We provide safety services for retrofit sign conversions consisting of subassemblies or kits intended for field installation in certified signs in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

After consultation with members of the sign industry and the regulatory community, we have changed the practice of applying the UL certification Mark for sign retrofit kits on major components of the kits. Now the certification Mark is only authorized to appear on the kit’s installation instructions. This change is expected to prevent misuse of the UL Mark on sign retrofit kit components and facilitate the availability of retrofit kit installation instructions.

Please download our frequently asked questions addressing the background and implementation details for this important change.

Why UL Solutions for electric sign solutions

• We have more than 100 years of technical leadership in the development and application of standards and code requirements for electric signs 
• The UL Mark has earned strong recognition in the sign industry and is widely accepted by electrical inspectors and other regulatory authorities
• We offer energy efficiency certifications to comply with local jurisdictions
• We will help you stay ahead of the curve on emerging standards requirements and regulations
• We offer a range of flexible training options to help sign shops of all sizes succeed

UL Solutions keeps you informed – visit our FAQ page for more information on LED Sign Retrofit Kits.