Why Good Illumination Matters

Understanding LED Specs and Avoiding Common Signage Mistakes

When it comes to illuminated signage, many people focus on just two things: brightness and price. More lumens for less money sounds like a great deal, right? But in reality, true illumination quality goes far beyond simple numbers.

Walk through any city and you’ll notice plenty of signs that are poorly lit — flickering letters, uneven lightboxes, or dim façades that once shined bright. Properly installed LED signs should perform flawlessly for years. So what goes wrong?

Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that define LED performance — and how understanding them can help you protect your brand’s visibility and reputation.

1. LED Lifetime – Look Beyond the Hours

Manufacturers love to promote long lifetime claims like “70,000 hours.” But what does that actually mean?

The real measure is in the L value, which indicates how much brightness remains after that time.

For example, 70,000 hours L40 means brightness drops to 40% after 70,000 hours. In contrast, SloanLED’s specifications such as 70,000 hours L80 are fully transparent and clearly defined — no hidden details or marketing tricks.

Always ask for both hours and L values before comparing LED products.

2. LED Warranty – More Than a “Nice-to-Have”

While end customers may not ask about warranties, signmakers and installers know better. A strong LED warranty is a sign of quality — especially for outdoor applications exposed to harsh conditions.

Including warranty and lifetime details in your proposal can help build trust and set you apart from competitors.

3. Energy Efficiency – Don’t Be Fooled by Lumen Numbers

Efficacy (lumens per watt) is often used to claim energy efficiency, but it tells only part of the story. The real test is efficiency per sign.

Lens design and module placement play a major role. For example, SloanLED’s VL5 series can achieve the same illumination using up to 30% fewer modules than competing products — delivering both energy savings and better light distribution.

Unfortunately, many sign shops don’t use LED layouts and work by experience, resulting in “overpopulated” signs that waste energy and produce uneven illumination.

4. EU Regulations – Compliance Matters

In Europe, LED modules used in signage must comply with EPREL (the EU’s energy labeling database). Many low-cost imports fail to meet this requirement and never appear on the public list.

SloanLED products are fully registered and compliant — giving you another solid argument for choosing certified, high-quality components.

5. Training – The Human Factor

Even the best LEDs can fail if they’re installed incorrectly. Water ingress, humidity, bad wiring, or poor assembly are common causes of flickering or dead modules.

That’s why SloanLED invests heavily in training and certification. Through our Preferred Partner Program, we offer detailed technical training and regular testing to ensure installers maintain the highest standards of knowledge and workmanship.

Because when your sign looks good — your brand does too.

In short: illumination isn’t just about brightness. It’s about reliability, efficiency, compliance, and expertise.

Choose products and partners who understand that difference — and your brand will keep shining for years to come.