Face-lit channel lettersChannel letters are three-dimensional individual letters or logo shapes, typically illuminated with LEDs and mounted on a storefront. View entry. can be direct mounted to the wall or mounted to a raceway. Both can look great, but they solve different installation problems.

Direct mounted channel letters

Direct mount letters attach individually to the building surface. This is often the cleanest look because the letters sit directly on the wall.

Positives

• Clean, classic channel letter appearance.
• Often less expensive than a raceway-mounted sign.
• Works well when the installer has access behind the mounting surface for wiring.

Tradeoffs

• More mounting holes and wiring penetrations.
• Some landlords do not allow individual letters because of wall penetrations.
• A built-in photo eye is not usually contained within the sign the same way it can be in a raceway.

Raceway mounted channel letters

Raceway letters mount to an aluminum box that contains wiring and power components. The raceway is then mounted to the wall as one larger sign assembly.

Positives

• Faster installation with fewer wall penetrations.
• One power hole and one power connection inside the building.
• Electrical components are easier to access through the raceway.
• A switch and photo eye can often be built into the sign system.

Tradeoffs

• The raceway is visible unless it is painted or concealed.
• It costs more than direct mount letters.
• It usually ships by freight instead of small parcel.

Check landlord and city requirements before ordering. Their rules may decide the mounting method before design preferences do.