A changing market
These distinctions are increasingly important to be aware of as more LEDs reach the market as modules, prefabricated trays—carrying both LEDs and drivers—and ‘neon replacement’ kits, which may be certified by UL, but which signmakers can mistakenly assume are components approved for installation in the field, so long as they have the right permit. Even if these products inherently pose no fire or safety hazard, their implementation will change a sign in a way that requires recertification.
“Our biggest challenges with respect to the equipment are twofold,” says Sullivan. “First is the use of ‘component’ approved parts in the field. These are not actually approved for installation in the field under permit. They are intended for sale to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), which can place them into an approved assembly. The components are only ‘approved’ as such because they have certain terms and conditions placed upon them that only the certification body can release. Our second concern is with counterfeit equipment, which is an increasing problem in the sign industry.”
For sign shops, meanwhile, the distinctions can represent competitive advantages in the market.
“Some sign shops are big enough that they’ll do 10 retrofits in a week and have them all field-inspected in one day,” says Calderwood, “but it’s harder for us smaller shops or if a sign installation is farther away. All of these factors affect the price for the customer. That’s why we want to be able to manufacture assemblies, ship them out and have them bolted in place.”
Even CSA-approved shops, he points out, do not behave identically.
“Some will send everything out assembled, but others will send a pile of wires and LEDs to the site,” he says. “So, people in the industry need to be more aware of both what they must do and what else they are allowed to do.”
The benefits of harmonization
Calderwood and Sullivan agree the issue highlights how more needs to be done to build consensus among signmakers, installers, electricians and inspectors throughout the country.
“There have been cross-Canada meetings between electricians and engineers, playing catch-up with all of the LEDs out there today,” says Calderwood. “It takes time to acknowledge new technologies and the testing to meet standards is rigorous, but rules can change very quickly. And everyone’s trying to understand each other’s regulations. BCSA follows CSA here, but people can interpret rules differently. The provinces are aware of this issue, but they haven’t all tackled it yet.”
CSA-approved shops can apparently retrofit and label signs in-house that meet relevant standards without requiring a field inspection each time.
“Standards for LED safety are harmonized by CSA, which continues to develop standards for all of Canada, but also bilaterally and trilaterally with the U.S. and Mexico,” says Sullivan. “Some of the sign associations across Canada have become involved and worked with the regulators. Others could become more active and get involved in the regulatory process.”
UL, too, has encouraged sign associations to help their members with educational programs focusing on LED retrofits and efforts to certify installers as ‘testers.’ One of the problems facing Canada-wide efforts, however, is the provincial nature of safety regulations. Some provinces let sign technicians perform LED retrofits, but others require licensed electricians to handle the work.
This issue has been top-of-mind for both Calderwood and Sullivan, as British Columbia currently falls in the latter group, requiring certified electrical contractors, but previously allowed sign installers to connect the wires themselves.
“BCSA wants the provincial sign association to come together and develop a new certification program for electric sign installers,” says Calderwood. “We had a program like that until 15 years ago. Getting the current law reversed would allow installers to become certified again. You need the industry’s interest. It would really open up what people in the sign industry can do—and not just with LEDs.”
With files from Grant Illuminated Signs and BCSA. For more information, visit www.grantsigns.ca and www.safetyauthority.ca.
