Neon signs have been beautiful for decades, but some people still think they are not safe. To a lot of people, these signs look hot, toxic, or dangerous to touch, but most of those ideas come from older technology. Custom neon signs and LED neon signs made today are made with better materials, safer energy levels, and more power.
What’s Really Inside Neon Lights
Neon gas, which is safe and glows when electricity flows through it, is inside a real neon tube. What makes the color change is the type of gas and the covering inside the tube. For example, when argon is used with a phosphor covering, it makes a light that is blue. There is no smoke, nothing that can catch fire, or any harmful waste.
A lot of people want to know if lights can catch fire. or does neon gas hurt you? It’s not true. Neon is a neutral gas, which means it doesn’t react or burn normally. The high-voltage generators used in regular tubes are what could be dangerous, not the gas. Then handmade LED neon signs and neon signs made just for you use low-voltage LEDs sealed in rubber instead of glass.
No More “Broken Neon Signs Are Dangerous”
If you touch a broken neon sign from the 1980s while it’s on, you might get a small electric shock. The newer ones are safer.
Before you touch a broken light sign, make sure it’s not plugged in. Wires that are out in the open are what are dangerous, not the gas itself. A broken tube won’t glow anymore, but it won’t give off any dangerous fumes either.
Some newer neon signs that run on batteries don’t use the old-fashioned glass tubes at all. These types work with safe DC power, making them great for homes, coffee shops, and game rooms.
Do Neon Signs Get Hot?
Older neon lights that were built on gas used to give off heat after a while of use. These days’ models use LEDs and stay cool even after being on all day.
Custom LED neon signs can be used on walls, in bars, or in rooms that are closed off because the flexible rubber housing keeps heat from building up.
If you’ve seen bright beer or bar signs shining behind counters, those are LED copies. They give off the same classic glow but use a lot less electricity and heat.
How Long Neon Signs Last
If you take good care of it, a good light sign can last for many years.
People want to know how long light signs last. The answer changes based on the build.
Most light tubes last between 8 and 15 years.
LED light signs can easily last longer than 30,000 hours.
If the light sign in a store or bar is turned off when not in use, it can run every day without getting too worn down.
Common Misconceptions That Need Clearing
1. Neon signs use too much electricity Wrong. A new neon sign made just for you uses about the same amount of power as an LED light bulb in your home. They use less energy than regular light bulbs.
2. Neon signs all have dangerous fumes inside them
Gases like argon or mercury vapor were only used in older glass types. There is no gas in modern neon signs, neon lights, or LED forms of them.
3. You can’t use lights inside
Today, most custom neon signs are made to be used in beds, event halls, and as decorations inside. They’re not heavy, feel cool to the touch, and are simple to put together.
4. Neon is out of style
Neon signs from the past are still popular, especially in bars and restaurants that like the way they look. These days, LEDs can make that look happen while using less energy.
Fire Safety and Neon Signs
The worry that neon is dangerous generally has to do with fire risks.
LED-based neon light signs don’t make a lot of heat and can be used for a long time. The material used for the housing is generally fire-resistant PVC or rubber. Almost no chance of a fire as long as the power source and charger are good and not overloaded.
How to Make Safe Neon Signs
Voltage safety is important for people who want to learn how to make light signs. Power supplies and insulation materials used by commercial makers like NeonChamp are verified.
When you make your own neon projects with battery-powered neon signs, you should never use more than 24V DC and make sure the cases are properly sealed to avoid short circuits.
Quality materials are the first step toward safety, and skilled makers always follow this rule.
Choices for neon fonts and designs
Picking the correct neon sign style can completely change the look and feel of a project. Neon name signs and bedroom furniture often use thin cursive styles. For neon open signs or business logos, thicker letters work better.
Digital mockups are used by professional companies to try glow effects before they are made. That’s why custom-made neon signs stay the same brightness and readability across all colors.
For safe neon light installation, call Western Signs.
Whether you need neon lights inside or signs outside, Western Signs can create and install them for you. Their skilled workers make sure that each neon light is put in tightly, safely, and in a way that will last in Arizona’s harsh weather.
Get in touch with Western Signs right away to make a neon sign for your business that will make it more visible and work safely and reliably for years to come.
Western Signs Is A Local Sign Design & Installation Company In Phoenix
Our sign installation services have been created for customers all over the State of Arizona Including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe & Glendale. Receive a free commercial signage quote anywhere in the Phoenix Valley by giving us a call today at (480) 831-8600.
