HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-LETTER-SIGN INSTALLATION
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KEITH HOLSCHBACK
PRIME OUTLETS
SUITE B01
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OSHKOSH WI 54904
November 16, 2005
Re: Sign Installation Req~:ements
Dear Mr. Holschback;
Past inspection activity of the Mall has revealed several potentially illuminated wall signs appear to
have been installed without the required listing labels. As we discussed yesterday, illuminated signs
must be listed by a recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Electronic
Testing Laboratories (ETL.) Signs meeting this requirement will have an adhesive label bearing the
testing agencies name/logo and a registration number. Such tags are typically installed so they are
visible from the ground. It is possible some have the labels installed in altemate locations that are
not visible from the ground, unfortunately we do not have the ability to verify ifthat is the case.
Such was recently the case for The Children's Place, as the labels are installed on the top of the
signs.
Because it is a standard sign industry practice to install the listing tags so they are visible from the
ground, it is our concern that Prime Outlets has several unlisted illuminated signs. A quick, ground
level survey of the mall signage revealed the illuminated wall signs for the attached list of tenants do
not have listing tags visible from the ground. Due to the number of stores and signs involved, we
will rely on you as the owner's representative to facilitate/demonstrate compliance. One method you
may consider in demonstrating compliance with the listing requirement would be to provide us with
a list oftenants, their suite address, schedule ofillurninated signs for each tenant and the listing
registration numbers for each sign. Please note that individually illuminated letters constitute
separate signs, meaning each letter needs a listing tag.
As an example, one of our inspectors witnessed a sign company installing the Motherhood Maternity
sign while shopping at your facility some months ago. The inspector looked for the listing tags, but
was not able to verify ifthe sign had the required listing tag( s.) This is not unique; we have found
unlisted signs being installed in this community from time to time in the course of our inspections.
Due to the number of signs at your Mall that do not have listing tags visible from the ground and
because we are not able to inspect every sign installation, we want to verify that all illuminated signs
comply with the listing requirement.
Our conversation also discussed concerns we have regarding required disconnecting requirements for
these signs. Inspections of past tenant space remodels have revealed the required discounecting
means was not provided. Discussing this matter with Kevin Benner, Electrical Inspector, I am
advised the code requires a disconnecting means within sight of any energized sign andlor outline
lighting. The code provides for an exception to this rule if the signage or outline lighting is
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controlled by an electric or electromechanical controller such as a time clock or photocell. In this
case the disconnecting means can be provided by installing a breaker lock for all circuit breakers
supplying power to the sign or outline lighting. A review of past National Electric Codes reveals this
has been the code requirement since the mall was fITst built in the late 1980's.
We do not know if all of the signage at your mall is in compliance with the Disconnect requirement
because an exterior inspection will only reveal if a disconnect is within sight of the sign. The
inspection cannot reveal ifthe sign is controlled by a time clock or photocell and if required breaker
locks have been provided. For this reason we will rely on you to educate your tenants on this
requirement and instruct them to comply if their disconnecting means is not presently compliant.
We would ask that you identify in your sunnnary how each tenant space is meeting the Disconnect
requirement.
If you have questions of a technical nature on this matter please contact Kevin Benner, Electrical
Inspector at 236-5046 for further inquiries. If you have other questions regarding this matter please
call me at 236-5045. Please keep us informed of your progress in this matter.
SinCerely;r¡
~Y::!!I
236-5045
Enclosure
cc: Kevin Benner, Electrical Inspector
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Prime Outlets
Tenant Sign age without Visible Listing Tags
The following tenants were noted to have signage without visible listing tags.
Tenant Space & Name
A30 American Girl
A40 Tommy Hilfiger
A11O Carters Childrenwear
B20 Perfumania
C40 VanHuesen
C60 Motherhood Maternity
C70 Legs-Hanes-Bali
D50 Casual Corner
D120 Dress Barn
D150 Bath&BodyWorks
D190 Book Warehouse
D210 Pfaltzgraff
D240 Jockey
E30 Nautica
E50 KB Toys
E70 Geoffrey Beene
E80 Eddie Bauer