Before You Start
| What you’ll need | Why | Included in Package? |
|---|---|---|
| Paper drilling template (included) | Shows exactly where to drill. | ✔️ |
| 4 mm threaded rods (included) | Hold each letter to the wall. | ✔️ |
| Nuts & washers (included) | For drywall installations (rear side). | ✔️ |
| 12 V DC Power Supply (included) | Converts 110v / 220v to safe 12 V DC. | ✔️ |
| Add-ons (Included) | 12 V dimmer with remote | ✔️ |
| Basic hand tools |
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| Cordless drill + drill bits |
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| Clear Silicone adhesive | Locks the letter and studs in place | |
| Safety gear |
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Electric-safety first: If you’re not comfortable working with household wiring, hire a licensed electrician for Steps 6 and 7.
Step 1. Mark & Tape the Template
- Unroll the paper template and make sure it’s level.
- Tape all four corners securely to the wall.
- Double-check placement—once you drill, the holes are permanent.
Step 2. Drill the Mounting Holes
| Hole Type | Diameter | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stud holes | 4 mm | Accept the threaded rods. |
| Wire holes | 8 mm | Route each letter’s power lead. |
Drill straight and keep light pressure; the template prevents mistakes.
Step 3. Prep Each Letter
Hand-thread the 4 mm rods into the factory holes on the back of every letter.
Step 4. Mount the Letters
Solid wall (concrete, brick):
- Run a thin bead of silicone around each stud base for extra strength.
- Push the studs into the drilled holes; the silicone and friction hold the letters flush.
Drywall / stud wall:
- Feed the studs through the drywall and add a washer + nut from the back.
- Hand-tighten until the face sits snug and even—don’t over-torque.
Step 5. Route the Power Leads
- Pull the thin low-voltage wires (usually white = 12 V positive, black = 12 V negative) through the larger 8 mm holes.
- Leave at least 6 inches of slack for easy connections.
Wiring the Sign (Low-Voltage Side)
Step 6. Mount the 12 V DC Power Transformer
- Choose a dry, ventilated spot near an outlet or inside a junction box.
- The transformer label shows N (neutral) and L (line) on the AC input side, and V+ / V- on the 12 V DC output side.
Step 7. Connect the Letters to the Dimmer and Power Supply
12 V Dimmer installs between the transformer and letters as shown.
- Join Whites to V+ and blacks to V-
- If you have multiple letters, wire them in parallel—all whites together, all blacks together.
- Wire the dimmer to the power supply/transformer as shown
- The power supply (transformer) will be factory wired to a power plug suitable for your country, all is needed is to plug it securely in a nearby power outlet.
- Ensure that the dimmer is placed in a visible location as it is paired with the remote control.
Final Checks
- Visual inspection: All letters flush, no wobble.
- Wiggle test: Gently tug each letter—nothing should budge.
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Power-on: Use the remote control to power the sign on. The sign should illuminate evenly.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Entire sign dark | Wrong AC side wired, or transformer switched off | Confirm AC hot/neutral, breaker, and output voltage (12 V). |
| One letter dark | Loose V+ / V- connection on that letter | Re-strip & secure wires. |
Caring for Your Sign
- Use a damp microfiber cloth—no ammonia cleaners.
- Do not cover the sign; adequate airflow prevents heat buildup.
- Re-check mounting nuts once a year, especially on drywall.
That’s it! With careful drilling and proper low-voltage wiring, your HappyWires back-lit letters will glow beautifully for years. If you hit a snag, reach us anytime at support@happywires.com—we’re here to help!