Outdoor Sign Rotators
T-Models mount below sign
F-Models mount inside sign
Types of Rotators
If you are new to rotating signs feel free to call and we will gladly help you determine the best rotator to use for your project. If you are familiar with sign rotators the information below will help you quickly determine the size and type that best fits your needs.
Semco Outdoor sign rotators have been used for over half a century to attract attention to your sign and your company. These heavy duty machines are strong, reliable, and have a simple design that makes them low maintenance and easy to service.
Our designs typically come in three styles we call Figure 1, Figure 1A, and Figure 5. These mount either inside the sign or below the sign and come in a variety of sizes to suit your sign size and weight.
The Figure 5 and Figure 1A models will need to support wind loading so you can use the Rotator Size Calculator below to determine the rotator model.
For Figure 1 installations, see the Figure 1 section below to determine your rotator size based on the sign size and weight – not wind loading
Rotator Types (Fig 5, Fig 1A, Fig 1)
T-Model rotators mount under the sign. We call this the Figure 5 installation. The rotator takes the wind loading. Sign turns above rotator.
F-Model Figure 1A installations place the rotator at the bottom of the sign. The rotator takes the wind loading. Rotator turns with sign.
F-Model Figure 1. This model is used for larger signs, the sign pole takes the wind loading not the rotator. Sign turns with rotator.
T-Models (figure 5) are usually the simplest to install. The rotator mounts to a plate welded to the sign pole. The sign is mounted to the rotators turntable plate.
F-Model Figure 1A – The rotator is housed inside of the sign. The sign frame attaches to the base of the rotator. The sign is then lowered onto the plate welded on the sign pole. The rotator frame turns with the sign.
F-Model figure 1 – The rotator is housed inside of the sign. The sign frame attaches to the base of the rotator. The sign is then lowered onto the plate welded on the sign pole. A split plate roller assembly is attached to the inside of the sign to support the bottom. The rotator frame turns with the sign.
- A note on any rotating sign: Balanced signs will always perform better, last longer, and require less maintenance.
- Many cities do not allow outdoor rotating signs so check local codes before starting your project
- A large outdoor sign is like a sail! Check your local codes on wind speed ratings. Hurricane wind ratings require larger rotators than our calculations charts recommend.
We supply information below for you too determine the proper rotator model based on your installation but feel free to call us if you want a recommendation from us.
To determine the proper size rotator consider the following:
- type of installation – Figure 1, 1A, or 5
- Maximum sign length or area rotator can support
- Maximum sign weight
- “V” number to meet wind loading where applicable
*Use the formulas below to determine the proper sign rotator size for your installation. See warning below
T-Model Figure 5 and 6 Installations
- Figure 5 – The rotator will be subject to wind loading and sign weight base on shape and size of sign
- Fig 6. Stub shaft bearing support in top of the sign when supported by building structure. Rotator size base on sign weight and area
Calculate the "V" value and check that sign area and weight fall within the rotators range
Fig 5 Rotator Sizing Chart
| Rotator Model | Max Sign Length | *Value | Sign Weight Capacity | Max Bending Moment LBS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS | 8ft (2.4m) | 30 | 300 lbs / 136kg | 600 |
| TM | 8ft (2.4m) | 45 | 600 lbs / 272kg | 900 |
| TL | 8ft (2.4m) | 75 | 1000 lbs / 450kg | 1550 |
| TG200 | 12ft (3.6m) | 180 | 1500 lbs / 680kg | 3620 |
| TG243 | 12ft (3.6m) | 350 | 2000 lbs / 907kg | 7000 |
| TG293 | 15ft (4.6m) | 620 | 2500 lbs / 1134kg | 12400 |
Sign Rotator Calculator
To calculate “V” Value multiply area of sign x 1/2 sign height (D) above the rotator’s turntable plate in ft. See warning below and double check with us to be safe.
Example 1: 1000 lb sign measuring 10ft wide x 5ft tall = 50 sq ft x (D) 2.5 = 125(V) The recommended rotator is the TG200 because the sign length is under 12ft, the weight is under 1500 lbs, and the value of 180 is higher than the calculated sign value of 125.
Example 2: 1000 lb sign, measuring 5ft wide x 10ft tall = 50 sq ft x 5 (D) = 250(V). The recommended rotator is the TG-243. Taller signs have higher bending loads.
*Warning: Using a rotator that does not meet wind, sign area, and weight loads can cause the sign to fall resulting in property damage, injury or death. Please confirm the sign size, shape, and weight when inquiring or purchasing a rotator. Our sizing is based on information you give us.
Figure 1A and 2 Outdoor Sign Installations
- Figure 1A: Rotator mounts inside sign in lower half. The rotator size based on sign size and weight
- Figure 2: Rotator mounted on top of sign, usually hanging. Same wind loading as Figure 1A
Figure 1A Rotator Size Calculations
| Model | Max Sign Length | Max Bending Moment Ft Lbs | *Value | Max Sign Weight (Balanced) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS | 8 ft / 2.4 m | 600 | 30 | 300 lbs / 136kg |
| FM | 8 ft / 2.4 m | 900 | 45 | 600 lbs / 272 kg |
| FL | 8 ft / 2.4 m | 1550 | 75 | 1000 lbs / 454kg |
| FG-200 | 12 ft / 3.6 m | 3620 | 180 | 1500 lbs / 680kg |
| Fg-243 | 12 ft / 3.6 m | 6000 | 300 | 2000 lbs / 907kg |
| FG-293 | 15 ft / 4.5 m | 12000 | 600 | 2500 lbs / 1134kg |
To calculate “V” Value multiply area of sign x 1/2 sign height (D) above the rotator’s turntable plate in ft. See warning and double check with us to be safe.
Example 1: 1000 lb sign measuring 10ft wide x 5ft tall = 50 sq ft x (D) 2.5 = 125(V) The recommended rotator is the TG200 because the sign length is under 12ft, the weight is under 1500 lbs, and the value of 180 is higher than the calculated sign value of 125.
Example 2: 1000 lb sign, measuring 5ft wide x 10ft tall = 50 sq ft x 5 (D) = 250(V). The recommended rotator is the TG-243. Taller signs have higher bending loads.
F-Model Figure 1 & 3 Outdoor Sign Installations
Figure 1 rotators mount inside sign near top. A split plate roller assembly at the bottom of the sign acts like a bumper allowing the sign to float a little when it is windy. Some of the largest rotating signs are of this design. The sign pole, not the rotator take the bending moment caused by winds. the rotator supports the sign weight and needs a high torque drive to push the sign through winds up to approximately 30 mph.
Figure 3 rotators are usually hanging. These have support top and bottom so there is no wind loading.
| Model | Max Sign Area Sq ft | Max Sign Wgt lbs | Max Sign Length ft | A | B | C | D | Base Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM | 75 | 750 | 12 | 4-1/2" | 2-1/4" | 13-5/8" | 24" | 8" |
| FL | 150 | 1000 | 15 | 4-5/8" | 2-3/8" | 14-7/8" | 30" | 8" |
| FG200 | 150 | 1500 | 15 | 5" | 2-3/8" | 14-7/8" | 30 | 8" |
| FG243 | 200 | 2000 | 20 | 5-1/2" | 2-5/8" | 16-3/8" | 30" | 10" |
| FG293 | 200 | 2500 | 20 | 6-3/4" | 2-5/8" | 16-3/8" | 30" | 10 |
Figure 1 Rotator Sizing Chart
| Model | Max Sign area Sq ft | Max Sign Weight | Max Sign Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS Fig1 | 40 sq ft / 12 sq m | 350 lbs / 160kg | 8ft / 8.43m |
| FM Fig 1 | 75 sq ft / 23 sq m | 750 lbs / 340kg | 12ft / 3.65m |
| FL Fig 1 | 150 sq ft / 45 sq m | 1000 lbs / 454kg | 15ft / 4.5m |
| FG200 Fig 1 | 150 sq ft / 45 sq m | 1500 lbs / 680kg | 15ft / 4.5m |
| FG243 Fig 1 | 200 sq ft / 61 sq m | 2000 lbs / 907kg | 20ft / 6m |
| FG293 Fig 1 | 200 sq ft / 61 sq m | 2500 lbs / 1134kg | 20ft / 6m |
Extra Large Figure 1 Sign Rotators
Please call if you have questions or would like help in choosing the proper rotator for our project. We are happy to help you and help you feel comfortable bidding, presenting, or installing our sign rotators for your customers.
For large and heavy outdoor signs above 4000 lbs and up to 30ft wide we offer our “EX” line of rotators including EX293, EX343, and EX393
These models include large Type E bearings to support high thrust loads. Large Gear reducers for maximum torque. Heavy steel frames and mounting accessories.
Like other Figure 1 installations, EX rotators are designed to mount inside the top of the sign with a roller support in the bottom of the sign. Customization is possible on these rotators; please call for more information.
| Model | Max Sign Weight( LBS) | Max Sign Length (FT) | Max Sign Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EX293-20 | 4400 | 20ft | 200 |
| EX293-24 | 4400 | 24ft | 280 |
| EX293-30 | 4400 | 30ft | 400 |
| EX343-20 | 8800 | 20ft | 200 |
| EX343-24 | 8800 | 24ft | 280 |
| EX343-30 | 8800 | 30ft | 400 |
| EX393-20 | 12000 | 20ft | 200 |
| EX393-24 | 12000 | 24ft | 280 |
| EX393-30 | 12000 | 30ft | 400 |