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Cabinet SIgn
A sign structure consisting of the frame and face(s), not including
the internal components, embellishments or support structure.
Canopy
See marquee.
Canopy SIgn
1) A building-mounted sign functioning as a marquee.
2) A sign mounted on a marquee or canopy.
CAD
Computer aided design. The use of a computer with suitable graphics software
to create a design, whether technical, engineering or graphical.
CAM
Computer aided manufacture. The use of a computer to control the operation
of a machine tool. Such a tool may be linked to a computer aided design
station and the combination is then known as CADCAM.
Candela
A unit of measure indicating the amount of intensity displayed by artificial
light. Abbreviated as cd.
Cap height
Height of an upper case letter used as a unit of measure.
Caps and smalls
Type consisting of capitals for initials and small caps in place of lower
case.
Casting
A method for mass-producing metal or plastic letters or individual metal signs,
depending on the material, a rubber or metal mould of the item to be cast
is prepared. The molten material is then poured into the mould. Once the
cast material is cool, it is removed from the mould and finished.
CD ROM
Compact disk read only memory. Non erasable storage of fonts etc.
Central line of vision
Theoretical line of vision of a person looking straight ahead.
Changeable Copy Panel
A section of a sign that functions like a changeable copy sign.
Changeable Copy Sign
A variable message sign composed of individual letters panel-mounted in or
on a track system.
Channel Letter
Fabricated or formed three-dimensional letter that may accommodate a light
source.
Character
Letter, numeral or punctuation mark.
Chase (1)
The illusion of movement in neon tubes or incandescent bulbs created by turning
the light sources on and off in sequence. Chasing is more loosely related
to animated signs than to flashing. It is achieved by using a chase, an
electric component which can be programmed to provide the on and off sequence.
Chase (2)
To decorate metal, typically by engraving or cutting. Term can also be used
to describe placing a normally surface-run cable into a recess to minimize
its visual impact.
Choke
Small transformer used in fluorescent lighting circuits.
Circuit breaker
Electrical switch that literally breaks the circuit it begins to overload.
It can prevent damage to signs and other electrically-driven equipment by
automatically disrupting the flow of current.
Cladding
A facade or decorative cover added to a building (or sign) to hide the structural
framework.
Classic letter
A metal channel or trough letter with a polished stainless steel bevel fitted
around the leading edge with an exposed cold cathode tube in the trough.
[Click here to view example]
Clearance
The shortest distance between two conductive parts or between a conductive
part and the interior surface of the installation, measured through the
air.
Coating
The process of applying a protective film to a sign. Coating includes such
diverse activities as applying a layer of varnish or japan color over gold
leaf to laminating clear vinyl over a digitally-produced graphic.
Coated Tubing
Clear glass tubing, coated on the interior surface with phosphorus powder.
Coated tubing produces a variety of different light colors, dependent upon
the specific mixture of phosphorus powders utilized.
Cold Cathode Lamp
The name given to neon lamps with tubing diameters larger than 15 mm. Technically
any lamp or sign with neon electrodes is a cold cathode lamp. Cold cathode
lamps use high voltage and low current, making them very energy efficient.
Cold Cathode
1) Electric discharge lighting, which uses an electrode with a large metal
mass to emit electrons. Neon tubing is a cold cathode type.
2) Generic term employed to specify custom interior lighting produced through
the use of larger diameter cold cathode tubing.
Colored Tubing
Transparent glass tubing manufactured with color pigments, typically color
examples include ruby red, canary yellow, green, and midnight blue.
Conforming Sign
A sign that is legally installed in accordance with federal, state, and local
laws and ordinances.
Conspicuity
The characteristics of the sign that enable an observer to differentiate the
sign from its surrounding environment.
Content Neutral: Time, Place, and Manner Regulations
Consistently applicable non-discriminatory sign regulations that specify,
without reference to the content of the message, when, how and where a sign
can be displayed, with physical standards, such as but not limited to height,
size and location, that allow the sign to be readable.
Contrast
The difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable
natures, such as light and dark areas, colors, or typefaces.
Competent person
A person with sufficient training, knowledge or experience to prevent danger,
having regard for the degree of supervision which is appropriate to the
nature of the work.
Component
One of the parts or pieces that together make a complete system or design.
Reference is often made to design components or the electrical component
of a sign.
Condensed
A font in which the proportion of the letters, numbers and symbols has been
altered by reducing their width.
Conduit
Metal or plastic tubes or piping which protect wires from weather or impact
damage.
Contrast
In design, the use of dissimilar or opposing elements, such as light and dark
areas, warm and cool colors or script and block typefaces.
Converter
A unit for the electronic conversion of an a.c. supply at one frequency to
an a.c. supply at another frequency. The voltage may or may not be altered
during the conversion.
Copyright
The right of the creator of an original work to control the use of that work.
In the UK it exists automatically by virtue of the creation of the original
work.
Copy
The words or message displayed on a sign.
Copy Area
Areas that enclose the actual copy on a sign.
Cost Approach (Valuation)
An approach to estimating the value of real property whereby the appraiser
determines the production cost of the property, minus any accrued depreciation.
This approach does not merely include the hard costs of construction, but
includes all soft costs such as interest, permits, and fees. In sign appraisal
this concept includes the cost of replacing the message delivered to viewers.
Cost Per Thousand (CPT)
Refers to the cost for an advertiser to send a message to 1000 receivers.
The measure is calculated by dividing the amount of money spent for a given
advertisement by the number of people exposed to it. (Based on this measure,
signs are usually considered to be the least expensive form of advertising.)
Coverage
A marketing term that refers to the percentage of the total market population
reached by an advertising message displayed in a given medium; measured
at least once a month.
Creepage distance
The shortest path between two conductive parts or between a conductive part
and the interior surface of the installation,measured along the surface
of the insulating material.
Cross section
View of an object showing it cut through to expose its internal structure.
Customer Acquisition Cost
Basic value calculation used to measure the cost versus return from the presence
of signage; the cost of acquiring a customer.
Custom Sign
A sign designed, manufactured and installed to meet the requirements of a
specific location.
Current
The flow of electric charge through a conductor. The unit of current is the
Ampere or MilliAmp. |
