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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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