Is Neon Safe? Separating Fact from Fiction About Neon Lighting

• There is much confusion about whether or not real neon poses a threat to human safety. Such concerns include the supposed toxicity of the gas within neon tubes, the fear of electrocution from high voltage electricity or that neon tubes reach unsafe temperatures and will burn you if touched.

• These concerns, while very valid, actually often stem from confusion between neon and other lighting types.

• When professionally manufactured and installed, real neon is actually a remarkably safe and stable option

• This post will cover how neon works, what risks actually exist and how to use neon safely

Understanding the Basics of Neon Lighting Safety

• A neon tube is a glass tube filled with inert gases. These tubes are completely sealed so nothing inside them can escape.

• Neon signs operate at very high voltage (typically 2000 - 15000 volts) but very low current (20 - 60 milliamps). Neon transformers are designed specifically to supply neon with a lot of voltage while significantly limiting the current.

• This low current, high voltage setup is what allows neon to run safely without overheating.

• Real neon has been used safely for over a century in homes, businesses and public spaces.

Common Myths About Neon Safety

• Myth: Neon is radioactive or toxic

  Fact: Neon gas is inert and harmless, as is argon.

• Myth: Neon gets dangerously hot

  Fact: Neon tubes are warm to the touch - not hot. The hottest they will get is about 60°C. In comparison, incandescent bulbs can reach 250°C and halogen bulbs can reach 500°C.

• Myth: Neon signs explode or catch fire

  Fact: Neon tubes are sealed and non-flammable; proper wiring prevents electrical hazards.

When Neon Could Be Unsafe - And How to Avoid It

• The only instance in which neon can be unsafe is when it has been handled and/or installed by someone not qualified.

• Such cases may involve: an overloaded or underloaded transformer, exposed wiring or neon mounted in such a way that it's structure is under stress

• It is extremely important when sourcing a power supply for your neon that the transformer is made for REAL neon and not for an LED "neon" sign.

• These kinds of situations are more common than you would think. That's why its very important to have an experienced neon technician conduct repairs and installations.

Safety Measures Built Into Professional Neon Signs

• An experienced glass bender will bend a neon tube in such a way that it retains as much of its structural integrity as possible.

• Neon signs are mounted securely as to prevent falls while ensuring that the glass is under minimal stress as to prevent breakage

• All neon signs are fitted with an OCM (open circuit monitor) that prevents the sign from drawing power the moment something malfunctions or breaks

• Neon signs that are mounted in high traffic areas or positions that a human can reach will most often be installed within a protective acrylic box to prevent contact or tampering.

FAQs About Neon Safety

• Is the gas inside neon tubes dangerous if broken?

  No - the gas dissipates instantly and poses no health risk.

• Are neon signs safe around children or pets?

  Yes, as long as they are mounted out of their reach or installed inside a protective box.

• What happens if a neon sign breaks?

  It will simply stop glowing and the open circuit monitor (OCM) will prevent it from drawing power.

• Can neon signs cause electrical fires?

  Very unlikely as long as it is installed correctly with reliable componentry.

Final Thoughts: Neon Is Safe When Done Right

• Neon lighting is a safe, long-lasting and low-risk lighting option.

• For peace of mind, always work with a qualified neon specialist when handling, repairing or mounting a neon sign

• Want expert advice or a safety check on your neon lighting? Contact Melbourne's most trusted neon specialists at Australian Neon Services today.

Does Neon Use a Lot of Electricity? Debunking the Energy Myths Around Neon Lighting

• There is a common assumption that real neon lighting is expensive to run and is therefore unfavourable compared to other options such as LEDs .

• Energy concerns are very valid, especially for businesses using illuminated signage long-term.

• Real neon is actually much more energy efficient than many people have assumed or been lead to believe.

• This post will cover: neon's actual energy usage, comparisons with other lighting types and ways to optimize neon efficiency.

How Much Electricity Does Neon Actually Use?

• A sign that is 1 metre in length requires about 90-100 watts (about the same as the common incandescent lightbulb)

• The amount of electricity needed for a neon sign depends on the size of the sign; bigger sign = bigger wattage.

• It's important to note that while the energy consumption of a neon sign isn't nothing, modern neon signs are built with energy efficiency in mind

Neon vs LED: Which Uses Less Power?

• LEDs use less raw wattage than neon, however, the difference is much smaller than what is often assumed

• Real neon has a much more efficient ratio of energy consumption to light emitted than its LED flex counterpart

• This contributes to real neon's status as an iconic and reliable lighting solution, as opposed to LEDs, which amount to a short term minor cost-saving in comparison

• It is a myth that neon overheats. A neon ironcore transformer however does reach high temperatures and should be installed in a well ventilated space

Factors That Affect Neon's Energy Usage

• Transformer: An ironcore transformer is a heavy duty and long lasting power supply that draws a large amount of energy as opposed to an electronic transformer, which won't last as long but compensates this with its much more efficient energy usage.

• Gas used: Neon sections that contain neon gas draw roughly 15% more power than sections that contain argon gas. Neon gas is used for warm colours (reds, oranges etc.) and argon is used for cooler colours (blues, greens etc.)

• Usage patterns: A sign that is operating 24/7 understandably uses more power than one that does not. Consider running your sign on a timer that will turn on the sign only at designated times during the day to save energy costs.

The Bigger Picture: Cost vs Impact

• A standard neon sign running 8 hours a day costs no more than $10 per month

• The long-term branding value of a real neon sign will more than compensate its cost in energy and money

• An LED flex sign, while technically demanding less energy, will in turn demand less attention to your business as opposed to a real neon sign. They are a dime a dozen these days and contribute very little in the ways of adding flavour to your brand and even less in the ways of art and culture. A real neon sign, however, uses its larger energy budget to great effect with its timeless and unmistakable visual charm and pure luminous force.

• Additionally, despite requiring more energy to operate, neon is still the more financially and environmentally sustainable option, as it is longer lasting and made of recyclable glass. LEDs, however, are made of weak and disposable plastic that is not recyclable and are fated to join the ever growing mound of waste polluting our planet

FAQs About Neon and Electricity

• Is neon safe to run all night?

  Yes - as long as it is installed correctly with the appropriate transformer

• Can I reduce energy use without losing brightness?

  Yes - using an electronic transformer will reduce the energy costs without affecting the glow of your sign

• Does a larger sign use significantly more power?

  Generally speaking, yes. A sign will require more power the more neon sections it has.

• Can I use solar power with neon?

  Yes, using a system that utilises battery storage

Final Thoughts: Neon Lighting Is Surprisingly Efficient

• Real neon is not the energy hog that it is often made out to be; it is actually very efficient

• It strikes a very effective balance between performance, durability and low running costs

• Curious about how much energy your neon is really using? Book an energy assessment with a Melbourne neon expert today.

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!