On San Francisco’s northern waterfront lies the world-renowned historic fishing district, Fisherman’s Wharf. Home to an abundance of restaurants, hotels and attractions, the city’s most popular tourist destination attracts more than 10 million visitors a year who at the gateway can glimpse a nearly 16-foot iconic symbol of the area’s rich history and vibrant culture—the “crab wheel.”

Fisherman’s Wharf CBD Executive Director Troy Campbell said the crab wheel now has a “bright, even glow” and a “uniform, one-color appearance” when illuminated, which he noted has already received positive tourist feedback. (photo courtesy of GE)

With the help of Arrow Sign Company and LED sign lighting systems donated from GE, the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (CBD) recently restored this cherished landmark while saving an estimated 80 percent in lighting energy usage. 

Fishing for Answers

First erected in 1968, the original crab wheel sign was constructed with plywood and sheet metal that became weathered due to saltwater and rust damage. Seeking to extend the life of one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD—in collaboration with the Port of San Francisco and the Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association—contracted GE Lighting and Oakland, Calif.-based Arrow Sign Company to redesign the wheel with durability and efficiency in mind.  

The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District recently restored San Francisco’s cherished “crab wheel” sign while saving an estimated 80 percent in lighting energy usage with GE Tetra® PowerStrip LED sign lighting. (photo courtesy of GE)

“The crab wheel is an icon that is recognized by people around the world, so preserving its original appearance was very important to us,” said Troy Campbell, executive director of Fisherman’s Wharf CBD. “GE and Arrow Sign Company helped us modernize the structure without losing a prominent symbol of San Francisco.”

The crab wheel was rebuilt using aluminum, polycarbonate and high-density foam materials, while the original wood handles lining its perimeter were kept intact. GE donated its Tetra® PowerStrip LED sign lighting to replace the traditional T12 fluorescent tube lighting previously used in the sign. The new sign will consume 80 percent less energy for Fisherman’s Wharf, with the LED lighting system using 676 total watts versus the 4,000 total watts used with the previous fluorescent lamp layout. Additionally, the switch to LED lighting means greater longevity for the sign’s lighting system due to a rated fixture lifetime of 50,000 hours. 

The switch to GE Tetra® PowerStrip LED sign lighting means greater longevity and reduced maintenance time and costs for the crab wheel’s lighting system due to a rated fixture lifetime of 50,000 hours. (photo courtesy of GE)

“We reviewed several contractor bids and one of the main factors to choose Arrow Sign Company was its use of GE products,” Campbell said. “We knew LED technology had the right long-lasting, energy-saving benefits for us, and we felt confident in the GE brand.”

After two months of project planning and construction, the new crab wheel was completed on July 3, 2013. Installation took place over three nights, where the sign was replaced one side at a time so that there was no downtime or missed photo opportunities for tourists.

When illuminated, Campbell said the sign now has a “bright, even glow” and a “uniform, one-color appearance,” which he noted has already received positive tourist feedback.

The move to GE’s LED sign lighting will also mean reduced maintenance time and costs compared to previous upkeep needs.

“With its location in the heart of a large tourist area, service calls and permits to the crab wheel are difficult, expensive and inconvenient for visitors,” Campbell noted. “We expect the sign’s new LED lighting to significantly reduce our annual maintenance spend.”