Glossary
BACKLIT SIGN
A sign consisting of a cabinet containing a light source surrounded by one or more translucent faces, illuminated for visibility.
​
CABINET
An electric sign, not including the components and structure. A cabinet is made up of a face and back, or two faces, along with the edge. (Also called can)
​
CHANNEL LETTER
The outline of a letter, with extended sidewalls that create depth, into which a light source is placed.
FACE
The decorated surface of a sign; the area on which the copy and art is placed.
​
FLEXIBLE FACE MATERIAL
Translucent material, usually decorated and then stretched across a frame to form awnings, billboards and other types of signage.
​
LED (LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE)
A semiconductor diode that emits light when voltage is applied; a solid state lighting component, used in signage for EMCs, channel letter illumination, edge lighting glass or acrylic panels or for various decorative lighting effects.
​
MEDIUM-DENSITY OVERLAY
An exterior grade plywood with an average veneer on both sides.
​
MESSAGE CENTER
Any sign that displays changeable copy through electronic or mechanical means.
​
MONUMENT SIGN
A free-standing sign sitting directly on the ground or mounted on a low base.
​
OPEN CHANNEL LETTER
A channel letter that has no face and in which the neon tubing is visible.
​
PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM (PMS)
Standardized series of thousands of colors, each with specific color formulations and identification number.
​
POLE SIGN
A free-standing sign, usually double-faced, mounted on a round pole, square tube or other fabricated member without any type of secondary support.
​
PYLON
Any free-standing sign that is not a pole or ground sign.
​
RACEWAY
A metal structure enclosing the electric components of a sign.
​
REVERSE CHANNEL LETTER
Channel letter which has a face and sides but no back, and is pegged out from a background surface. When the inside of the channel is lit, it produced a halo effect around the channel letter.
​
ROUTING
Elimination of material in a substrate, using a tool bit machined to remove material.
​
WALL SIGN OR WALL MOUNT
A single-face sign mounted on a wall.