What You Must Know About Signage Installation: A Complete Guide from Steel Frames to Wiring – 10 Safety Tips to Avoid Falling Signs and Installation Rejection

In Malaysia, proper signage installation is crucial for your sign’s longevity, safety, and whether it can successfully pass mall or municipal approvals. Whether your business is located in a shopping mall, street shop, chain store branch, factory, or you are installing an outdoor billboard, any weak structure, improper wiring, or insufficient steel frame support could lead to approval rejection, sign falling, electrical short circuits, leaks, or other serious issues.

To ensure your sign is secure, durable, compliant with safety standards, and passes approvals on the first try, we’ve compiled the 10 key safety points for signage installation in Malaysia. This guide is ideal for:

• Chain brand headquarters
• Mall and retail store owners
• Interior and exterior renovation contractors
• Signage manufacturing and installation teams
• Business owners who want long-lasting, safe signage

By following this guide, you’ll know how to check every aspect of signage installation, from steel frame structure, LED wiring, waterproofing, wall load capacity, installation procedures, to final inspection – ensuring your signs are safe, durable, and compliant with Malaysian installation standards.
 

10 Key Points: What to Watch for in Signage Installation

1 Steel Frame Must Meet Safety Standards

The steel frame is the core of your sign’s structure. Insufficient strength can cause shaking, loosening, or even falling.
 

Common Issues:

• Frame too thin or welds insufficient
• No horizontal support, structure unstable
• Using untreated iron
• Large signs without PE (Professional Engineer) certification
• Outdoor frames not designed for wind load (especially high-rise or large billboards)

Recommendations:

Use 1.2–2.0mm galvanized steel pipes (GI Steel)

Large signs must have PE endorsement (Malaysian engineer certification)

Ensure all welds are full welds with no weak points

Outdoor installation must comply with wind load standards
 

2 Wiring Must Comply with Electrical Safety Standards

Improper wiring is a top reason for mall approval rejection and can cause short circuits, electrical leakage, or LED failure.
 

Common Issues:

• Using household wires or cutting corners
• Exposed wires, incorrect power placement
• No independent switch
• Messy LED connections, exposed joints

Recommendations:

Use heat-resistant, fire-retardant certified wires

Place power supply (Adaptor/Driver) in sealed waterproof boxes

Protect all joints with soldering + heat-shrink tubing

Install isolators for high-power lightboxes

Keep wiring neat and organized
 

3 LED Light Must Be Stable, Safe, and Consistent

Low-quality LEDs can flicker, create dark spots, or have inconsistent color temperature, reducing your sign’s lifespan.
 

Common Issues:

• Low-quality LED modules
• Color temperature shift (white to yellow)
• Uneven brightness
• Power supply insufficient, causing LED burnout

Recommendations:

Use high-quality branded LED modules (high brightness and long lifespan)

Standardize color temperature (4000K / 6000K)

Use constant current power supplies for large signs
 

4 Check Wall and Store Structure Before Installation

Incorrect drilling or positioning can damage walls, glass, aluminum composite panels, marble, or gypsum board.
 

Common Issues:

• Wrong drilling positions
• Installing heavy signs on weak walls (e.g., gypsum board)
• Not confirming drilling guidelines with mall/landlord
• Using inappropriate anchors or screws

Recommendations:

Take photos of wall conditions before installation

Avoid placing heavy signs on weak walls

Confirm drilling guidelines with mall/landlord

Use proper expansion bolts or chemical anchors
 

5 Sign Weight Must Be Evenly Distributed

Concentrated weight can crack walls, deform frames, or cause sagging.
 

Common Issues:

• Weight concentrated in one spot
• Insufficient frame strength
• Low-strength materials

Recommendations:

Distribute weight evenly through the steel frame

Use lightweight but strong materials (e.g., aluminum)

Add extra support frames for large lightboxes
 

6 Waterproofing Must Be Done Properly (Especially for Outdoor Signs)

Rain and humidity are the biggest enemies of outdoor signage.
 

Common Issues:

• Water entering lightbox
• LED short circuits
• Rusting steel frames
• Power supply damage due to water ingress

Recommendations:

Use IP65-rated waterproof LEDs and wiring

Place power supply in waterproof boxes

Seal joints with weatherproof silicone

Install drainage holes in lightbox back panels
 

7 Avoid Blocking Fire Safety Equipment

Blocking sprinklers or smoke detectors is a common reason for mall approval rejection.
 

Common Issues:

• Blocking sprinklers
• Blocking smoke detectors
• Too close to fire alarms or speakers

Recommendations:

Check mall fire system locations before installation

Maintain safe distances: Sprinkler 500mm / Smoke detector 500mm

Avoid obstructive lightbox designs
 

8 Installation Height and Accessibility Must Comply with Mall Regulations

Incorrect height can impact foot traffic or approvals.
 

Common Issues:

• Exceeding mall height limits
• Too low or protruding, affecting pedestrians
• Not centered on the storefront

Recommendations:

Submit Shopfront Drawing / Elevation before production

Confirm height, width, depth, and projection

Follow mall signage zones
 

9 Construction Must Follow On-Site Safety Rules

Violating safety rules can prevent workers from entering the mall.
 

Common Issues:

• Workers without CIDB certification
• No PPE (helmet, safety shoes)
• No Work Permit / Hot Work Permit
• No ladder or boom lift certification

Recommendations:

Ensure workers have CIDB certification

Require full PPE at all times

Obtain necessary work permits before starting

Use safety harnesses for high-elevation work
 

All Installation Documents Must Be Complete (For Approval and Inspection)

Missing documents can delay installation or cause approval failure.
 

Common Issues:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Missing Shopfront Drawing, 3D Mock-up, material specs
• Large signs without PE certification

Recommendations:

Prepare complete documents: Shopfront Drawing, 3D design, material specs, wiring diagram, LED mock-up, insurance

Large signs must have PE engineer certification

Complete documentation ensures smooth installation and faster approval
 

Summary: Safety Comes Before Design

A beautiful sign enhances your brand image, but a safe and secure installation protects your customers and staff. About 70% of signage issues are caused by installation, not design.

By following these 10 key safety points, you can reduce risks, minimize rework, extend your sign’s lifespan, and ensure smooth approval from malls.

FAQ

1. Do I need government approval for signage installation?

It depends on the sign type. Large outdoor signs or street-facing lightboxes typically require an Advertising License from local authorities.
 

2. What if my wall can’t support heavy signs?

Use reinforcement or lightweight materials (aluminum, acrylic) to avoid overloading the wall.
 

3. Do indoor signs need PE certification?

Small indoor signs usually don’t, but large hanging or load-bearing signs should be designed and inspected by a PE engineer.
 

4. How should wiring be handled for multi-story signage?

Route wiring through wall conduits or hidden channels to avoid exposure and comply with electrical codes.
 

5. Which materials are best for durability?

For outdoor signs, use powder-coated aluminum letters, high-quality acrylic, or 304/316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, waterproofing, and sun protection.
 

Ensure Your Signage Installation Is Safe and Hassle-Free

Choose Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd for:

Professional steel frame teams (10+ years experience)

Familiarity with mall approval processes

High-standard wiring and LED solutions

Free site measurement and safety consultation

Years of experience in mall and store installations

Contact us today to make your signs safe, durable, stable, and bright for longer!