BS 559:2009 pdf free download – Specification for the design and construction of signs for publicity, decorative and general purposes.
3.1.5 portable sign
small self-contained sign which is supplied as a complete unit and is intended to be placed in position and, if illuminated, connected to a mains supply, usually by unskilled personnel
NOTE A portable illuminated sign is usually supplied with an integral lead for connecting to the mains supply and this often includes a mains plug.
3.2 parts of signs
3.2.1 backing panel
part behind a sign or fitting which might also act as a means of support
3.2.2 face panel
part of the sign which usually contains the message, and is directed towards the observer
3.3 illuminated signs
3.3.1 low voltage
nominal voltage normally exceeding extra-low voltage but not exceeding 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c. between conductors, or 600 V a.c. or 900 V d.c. between conductors and earth
3.3.2 luminaire
equipment which distributes, filters, or transforms the light from one or more tubes, and which includes any parts necessary for supporting, fixing and protecting the tubes, but not the tubes themselves, and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the supply
3.3.3 light-emitting diode (LED)
solid state device embodying a p-n junction, emitting optical radiation when excited by an electric current
[IEC 60050-845:1987 and BS EN 62031:2008, 3.1]
3.3.4 LED module
unit containing one or more LED5 supplied as a light source
NOTE In addition to one or more LEDs, it might contain further components, e.g. optical, mechanical, electrical and electronic, but excluding the control gear.
[BS EN 62031:2008, 3.2, modified]
3.3.5 cold cathode
lamp electrode operating by field emission
3.3.6 hot cathode
lamp electrode operating by thermionic emission
3.4 materials
3.4.1 plastic materials polymeric materials
3.4.2 flexible plastic
plastic material which is essentially flexible and requires a tensioning system when used in a sign face
3.4.3 rigid plastic
plastic material which is essentially rigid and does not require a tensioning system when used as a sign face
3.4.4 aluminium composite material (ACM)
sheet material comprising an aluminium skin or skins on a rigid or semi-rigid core of a different material
NOTE ACM is typically a polyethylene core with a laminated pre-coa ted aluminium skin on each face.
4 Service life
The service life of the sign shall be either:
a) as specified by the purchaser on the order; or
b) as agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer; or
c) as specified by the manufacturer to the purchaser; or
d) if not specified or agreed in accordance with a), b) or c), 10 years.
5 Sign materials
5.1 General
Materials used in the construction of a sign shall meet the minimum requirements of the service life of the sign (see Clause 4).
NOTE Due to the large number of types of vinyl graphics materials, substrates, manufacturers and application methods, it is impractical to give precise requirements. Guidance on working with vinyl films is given in Annex A.
The materials of construction shall conform to BS 476-7 for surface spread of flame.
In addition, signs for petrol filling stations shall conform to Table 1 or to the purchaser’s specification.