Do you have a client who is upgrading their storefront with a new custom channel letter sign? While flush mounting, which is attaching signs and letters directly to the wall behind it, is the most common, there are other options. Raceway and wireway signs are two popular mounting methods for channel letters. But how do you choose?

There are key differences, including their pros and cons, that can help decide the best fit for your client’s business and building. Raceway signs offer a clean look with easy access for maintenance, while wireway signs are slimmer and might be required to meet building code limitations. Either way, both offer a professional aesthetic and can be customized to match your clients brand.

Raceways

Understanding signs built on raceways is key to making an informed decision about your signage mounting. These versatile mounting structures offer a multitude of benefits for both the appearance and functionality of your sign.

What is a Raceway?

A raceway is a rectangular sign mounting structure, typically made of sturdy aluminum, that runs behind channel letters. This structure serves two purposes:

Mounting: The channel letter sign is directly attached to the raceway, creating a clean and streamlined look.
Electrical Enclosure: The raceway houses all the electrical components needed to power your sign, including transformers, power supplies, and wiring. This protects them from the elements and provides easy access for maintenance. Unlike flush-mounted signs, which require electrical components to be placed behind the wall, a raceway keeps everything organized within the structure itself.

Essentially, a raceway simplifies the installation process and offers superior protection for your clients’ electrical components.

Advantages of Combining a Raceway with Channel Letter Signs

Understanding the benefits of raceways will help you guide your clients in their decision to select a raceway for their project. Here are some key advantages to consider:

Reduced Intrusion: Raceways significantly reduce the number of mounting holes required compared to flush-mounted signs. This means less drilling and a cleaner overall look for the building.
Simplified Installation: The raceway acts as a convenient channel for all electrical components, making installation faster and easier. Channel letters simply attach to the pre-drilled holes on the raceway.
Enhanced Durability: The raceway protects the sign’s electrical components from rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and even sun damage. This translates to a longer lifespan for the overall investment.
Easy Maintenance: Unlike internally mounted components, a raceway provides easy access for maintenance and repairs. Technicians can simply remove the top panel of the raceway to reach the electrical components without affecting the sign itself.
Code Compliance: A raceway ensures your signage meets electrical codes and regulations, promoting safety and reducing risk. The organized structure also simplifies inspections by electrical officials.

Raceways offer a smart solution for mounting your signs by streamlining installation, boosting weather resistance, enhancing safety and compliance, and promoting long-term durability. Whether used for creating outdoor advertising or outfitting a storefront or corporate building, raceways can help elevate any signage project.

When to Use Raceways

Have you ever noticed how storefront signage in busy business parks or shopping centers seems to come and go? When there is frequent tenant turnover, property owners need signage solutions that are easy to adapt and maintain. This is where raceway channel letter signs step in.

Unlike traditional flush-mounted signs, raceways require fewer mounting holes. This translates to less hassle and damage for building owners when tenants change hands. Plus, the modular design of raceways allows for effortless updates to the signage itself. Channel letters can be swapped out quickly and efficiently, keeping your property looking fresh and professional throughout its tenant lifecycle.

But the benefits go beyond tenant turnover. Raceway signs are also installation champions. The pre-built structure streamlines the process, minimizing disruption to your business operations. And because the raceway itself houses all the electrical components, it offers a clean, low-maintenance solution that’s both easy on the eyes and simple to service.

Wireways

Channel letter signs offer a high-impact way to showcase a business, however, the mounting method plays a larger role in the overall look. For projects seeking a sleeker profile, wireways provide a compelling alternative to raceways. These slimmer aluminum enclosures are designed to subtly elevate your channel letters, creating a minimalist appearance.

What Are Wireways?

True to its name, a wireway is a metal cabinet, that can be custom painted, which organizes and protects your cables, shielding them from the elements. Unlike raceways, wireways don’t house the power supply itself. Instead, cables run through the back of the wireway and connect to the power source inside the building. They can provide a nice contrasting backdrop.

Here are a few key wireway features:

Slim design: Offers a minimalist aesthetic, perfect for subtle signage presentations.
Cable protection: Keeps electrical wiring organized and shielded from the elements.
Customizable sizing: Accommodates larger channel letters, as well as contour logos and logo boxes.
Backer panel compatibility: Allows for unique shapes and designs to be mounted on top of the wireway to create a distinctive look.
Enhances appearance: Can be built to a custom size and painted, to both increase the contrast as well as enhance the look of the channel letters, so they take center stage.

Unlike a raceway, a wireway may serve triple duty – a wiring enclosure, a letter mounting surface and a backing board.

When To Use Wireway Signs

Raceway signs offer a convenient all-in-one solution, but for projects seeking a minimalist look and feel, wireway signs are the more simple solution. Wireways require fewer mounting holes than flush-mounted signs, preserving the integrity of the building’s facade. This is a major perk for property owners who want to avoid unnecessary drilling.

While raceways may be slightly more convenient for initial installation, wireways still offer easy access for maintenance. The removable front cover acts like a shoebox lid, allowing technicians to reach the internal components without dismantling the entire sign. In short, wireways provide a sleek and functional alternative for channel letter signs, ensuring easy maintenance while minimizing their visual footprint.

Should I Choose Raceway or Wireway?

Deciding between functionality, maintenance, and appearance will ultimately guide you towards the perfect fit. Raceways house both electrical components and wiring within their structure for a clean, finished look. Wireways, on the other hand, prioritize a slimmer profile by focusing solely on wires (with the power supply located inside the building).

When it comes to maintenance, raceways offer superior accessibility with a removable top panel, while wireways require accessing the wiring through a front cover. Finally, consider the desired aesthetic: raceways provide a clean, finished look, while wireways offer a minimalist background for your channel letters.

Raceways and wireways offer compelling options for mounting your channel letter signs, however, when selecting the perfect fit, it’s really going to depend on the specific needs of the client.

Direct Sign Wholesale & Our Premium Channel Letters

A captivating front lit channel letter sign can highlight your client’s business or storefront, but choosing a mounting method can be a difficult process if uninformed.

Raceways are the ideal all-in-one solution, housing both electrical components and wiring for clean look and easy maintenance. They are Ideal for minimizing exterior intrusion and prioritizing servicing. Wireways, on the other hand, excel in minimalism. Their slim profile creates a sleek backdrop for channel letters. Maintenance may be slightly less convenient, they’re fantastic for those who value a discreet look.

Still unsure if raceways or wireways are the right fit? Direct Sign Wholesale can help. Our signage specialists offer professional insights to guide you towards the perfect solution. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s collaborate on a custom channel letter sign that brightens your client’s brand and delivers impactful results.

Raceways & Wireways: What is the Difference?