How Long Does Neon Last? The Truth About Neon Light Lifespan and Durability

• There is much confusion about the properties of real neon due to LED companies conflating it with LED flex, which they incorrectly describe as neon

• This post will cover the lifespan of real neon, what affects its longevity and how to care for it

• Real neon, when made and maintained well, is a long-term investment

Real Neon vs LED: What Lasts Longer?

• A neon tube can keep glowing up to 20-25 years of frequent use if installed and kept correctly. LED flex, on the other hand, will last only 3-8 years.

• The lifespan of a real neon tube depends more on the quality of the craftsmanship behind it. With an LED sign, it doesn't matter how well it is assembled, it will degrade just as rapidly as it always does.

• Real neon doesn't "burn out" like traditional bulbs would - it fades or dims over a very long time.

• If a neon sign stops working with no sign of breakage, it's almost always a problem with componentry other than the neon tubes themselves, such as the transformer. These parts are easy to replace and never warrant the construction of an entirely new sign, unlike with LEDs.

What Affects Neon Longevity

• Quality of craftsmanship: If a neon tube is bent by an exprienced specialist, it will be shaped in such a way that it maintains as much structural integrity as possible. A strong bend will resist stress and strain where a weaker bend may shatter.

• Transformer: A transformer must match the voltage requirements for the sign it is powering, otherwise it can drastically affect the lifespan of the tubes.

• Usage: While a neon sign can be turned on for very extended periods of time, it is advisable to turn it off when it is not in use as this will increase its lifespan

How to Know When a Neon Light Is Nearing the End

• Fading or dimming glow: All neon tubes will eventually fade after a couple decades of use

• Discolouration: This is usually caused by an error while putting the tube under vaccuum. Impurities within the tube will degrade a neon section much quicker.

• Flickering: This can also be caused by impurities within the tube as well as the electrodes breaking down.

Can Neon Be Repaired?

• Yes - all real neon signs can be repaired.

• Common solutions include rejoining and re-pumping or remaking broken neon tubes, joining new electrodes to tubes or replacing a faulty transformer.

• A full replacement of a neon sign is almost never necessary as individual components can be swapped out or improved upon without needing to do the same to the sign as a whole.

• Disposing of a neon sign that isn't functioning is a waste; there could still be a lot of life left in many of the components that you're just not seeing.

FAQs About Neon Light Lifespan

• Can neon really last 15 years or more?

  Yes - if it is well made and well cared for.

• Is it worth repairing older neon?

  Yes - it is always more cost-effective to repair a sign than to replace it.

• Does turning neon on daily reduce its lifespan?

  Yes, but not significantly. Neon tubes that are used daily can still last over 20 years.

This sign we serviced last year was running for 20 years without ever being switched off

Final Thoughts: Real Neon Is Built to Last

• Real neon, unlike LED imitations, is a durable, serviceable and long-lasting lighting choice.

• Don't throw away fading or malfunctioning neon - revive it instead!

Neon Lighting: How It Works, Why It Lasts, and How to Keep It Glowing

• Neon lighting is a timeless and iconic form of illumination

• For over a century, neon has had a glowing presence in signage, art, interior design and commercial branding

• This post will be talking about real neon lighting made from glass - NOT its LED copycats

• What will be explored: how it works, benefits, common issues and care tips

What Is Neon Lighting?

• Neon lighting is a form of illumination that is created by filling a glass tube with a noble gas (such as neon or argon) and igniting that gas with an electric current resulting in the unmistakeable neon glow that we know and love

• Each neon tube is handcrafted, custom shaped and vibrant in a way that is unparalleled in the world of illumination

• Many signage businesses have tried mimicking the unique aesthetic of real neon with "LED flex", which is often referred to as "LED neon". These are made of plastic and are NOT neon

• Real neon, ever since it's invention in 1910, has had widespread use in retail, hospitality, galleries and other creative spaces

How Neon Lighting Works

• When electricity is applied to a neon tube, the atoms of the gas inside are excited and their electrons are given extra energy. They then release that energy in the form of light. Neon atoms glow in their unmistakable red/orange colour. But what if you want a tube filled with neon gas to glow a different colour? The inside of many neon tubes are lined with a phosphor coating that absorbs the invisible ultraviolet light of the electrified gas and then re-emits it as visible light. The colour of the light emitted depends on the chemical makeup of the phosphor coating.

• Each neon tube has an electrode joined to each end. Electrodes are what allows electricity to enter the tube. Additionally, the electricity supplied is run through a neon transformer, which converts low voltage electricity to the high voltage electricity that a neon tube needs to run.

• All neon signs are fitted with an OCM (open circuit monitor) that stop the neon from drawing power if anything were to break or malfunction.

What Makes Neon Lighting Different from Other Options

• Real neon has a warmth and depth that other forms of illumination cannot match. Every real neon sign is a work of art that evokes a sense of wonder whereas other forms of illuminated signage are seen only for their utility. LED flex isn't just poorly made, it can't compete with the aethetic of neon simply because of what it is made of. Plastic is plastic. It looks cheap because it IS cheap.

• Real neon is also the more durable option compared to LED flex. It's glow will remain bright for decades whereas LEDs will fizzle and fade in a matter of years.

• Real neon has REAL artistic value; an emphasis on craftsmanship adds a level of prestige to each and every neon piece that render LEDs flat and sterile in comparison. To a glassbender, assembling an LED "neon" sign is like assembling an IKEA chair. Real neon is also known for evoking a sense of nostalgia. Just like with vinyl records, many people have realised that the "old" way of doing things was always cooler.

• Just because neon sign making is an older practice does not mean that it is an unsustainable one. In fact, the opposite is the case when compared to its signage contemporaries. Real neon is made of recyclable glass while LED flex is made of unrecyclable plastics; the same plastics we find piling up in landfill and polluting our oceans.

Common Neon Lighting Issues and What Causes Them

• Dimming or fading: The most common culprit that causes fading throughout a neon tube is the mercury. If an argon neon tube gets too cold, the mercury inside can start condensing, which results in parts of the tube looking faded. Usually this can be fixed by just waiting for the mercury to be re-vapourised, however if that doesn't work, removing the faded tube and rolling the mercury to either of the electrodes will fix it.

• Flickering: Flickering can occur for a lot of reasons. We have listed a few here:

  - Transformer has reached the end of its life and must be replaced

  - Faulty wiring

  - Electrical interference

  - Other installation mistakes

• Broken tubes: Resulting from impact or stress

• ALL of these are fixable in the hands of a real neon expert

  
  
  
  

Repairing Neon Lighting: What's Possible

• Reparing a neon sign involves repairing or remaking broken neon sections, replacing a transformer that has reached the end of its life or replacing other bits of componentry that have degraded, such as cables or standoffs.

• ALL neon signs can be repaired and restored, even vintage ones.

• A neon glassbender is able to effectively match the exact shape a neon tube was before it broke as if it never broke in the first place.

FAQs About Neon Lighting

• How long does neon lighting last?

  A neon tube that is used regularly will last 20-25 years.

• Can neon lights be used outdoors?

  Yes, as long as it has been installed in such a way that moisture cannot build up anywhere and has been installed with a waterproof transformer.

• Is neon lighting safe?

  Neon lighting is safe as long as it is being installed and handled by someone who knows what they are doing. If a neon sign doesn't have a protective cover it should be installed above shoulder height so as to avoid anyone making physical contact with it. Furthermore, all high tension wiring should be encased in conduit and electrodes should be protected by rubber sleeves. As stated previously in this post, all neon signs are fitted with an OCM (open circuit monitor) that stop the neon from drawing power if anything were to break or malfunction.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Light That Lasts

• Neon lighting has an unmistakably unique beauty. It is as visually stunning as it is reliable

• We at Australian Neon Services urge you to choose real neon for its umatched glow and the adept craftsmanship behind it

• If you have an interest, please contact us and we can help you explore custom designs or schedule a repair

Understanding Neon Tubes: How They Work, Why They Matter, and How to Repair Them

• Neon tubes are THE core component of real neon lighting

• Many people see their iconic glow daily without understanding what goes into making them

• Behind each glass neon tube is a very specialised craft

• This post will cover what neon tubes are, how they function, and how they can be repaired

What Are Neon Tubes?

• Neon tubes are glass tubes that are hand-shaped over a flame by a glassbending specialist and filled with gases such as neon or argon

• Most often these tubes are bent to form words or letters or other shapes as if on a 2 dimensional plain, however there are occasions when you may find neon pieces that break into the 3rd dimension

• Neon tubes are used in signage, art, decor, and commercial lighting

• Neon's iconic glow has been part of the fabric of cultural life in many major cities for over a century. It's beauty and impact is unparalleled in the world of illumination.

How Neon Tubes Work: The Science Behind the Glow

• A neon electrode is joined to either end of a glass neon tube, which allows an electric current to run through it. The electricity then passes through the gas molecules, producing light through a process called gas discharge

• Different gas glows different colours; neon glows a bright red/orange while argon glows a dull violet. To make further alterations to colours, coloured glass can be used as well as fluorescent powder that lines the inside of the tube.

• A transformer is required to create enough voltage to ignite the gas inside the tubes.

Real Neon vs LED Imitation: Tube Differences

• Real neon uses glass tubes, while LED neon uses plastic casings made from extruded petrochemicals

• Real neon is longer-lasting, brighter and more energy efficient than LEDs

• A real neon sign is made up of individual tubes that can be replaced should they break or malfunction without having to replace the whole sign. LED "neon" signs on the other hand will degrade as a whole even if one part begins to fail, meaning that a whole new sign will be needed to replace it.

Common Issues With Neon Tubes

• Tube breakage or cracks: Often caused by impact, stress over time or exposure to the elements

• Fading: Most commonly due to mercury within the tube solidifying. Can be solved easily by rolling the mercury to either of the electrodes.

• Excessive buzzing or flickering: Usually related to a faulty transformer or poor wiring

How Neon Tubes Are Repaired or Replaced

• If a neon tube is broken or appears to not be functioning it will be removed to be worked on by a glassbender. If the tube is in good enough condition, it can be rejoined and pumped with new gas to glow as if new. Otherwise the broken piece can be traced and remade from an entirely new tube of glass.

• A broken section of a sign can be repaired or replaced without needing to do so to the whole sign. In fact, a sign can still be made to glow while the missing pieces are being serviced

• A glassbender will be able to figure out how to best recreate the shape of a broken neon tube by tracing it's outline or by using their intuitive eye for design. Remnants of a broken piece of neon can also be used to figure out what colour it shone before it broke

• A neon glassbending expert is absolutely necessary when it comes to anything neon; anyone else simply won't know where to start

FAQs About Neon Tubes

• Can any color be made with neon tubes?

  Functionally, yes! Combining different gases, colours of glass and fluorescent powder can make all sorts of colours.

• Are neon tubes safe?

  If installed correctly, yes. High tension cables (cables that connect the transformer to the neon tubes) should be encased in conduit and electrodes should be kept covered by rubber sleeves to prevent human contact with live electricity

• Can I reuse old neon tubes in a new design?

  Of course, however it is not possible to bend a tube that has already been filled with gas and sealed under vacuum.

Final Thoughts: The Art and Engineering of Neon Tubes

• A real neon tube is a marvel of science and dexterous crafstmanship

• Next time your eyes are captivated by the glow of neon, have a think about what has gone into making it the way it is

• Furthermore, if you own a business or are running an art project and need something that stands out bright and magnificent and will stand the test of time, don't hestitate to get in contact with Australian Neon Services!