Difference Between Neon Lights and LED Neon Lights?

 

The use of neon lights for decoration and signage has been a long-standing trend. Because of their bright colors, high luminance and clear light, they are an excellent choice for many kinds lighting projects. Neon light has been used by many artists to create stunning art pieces.

Although neon lighting is one of the most prominent trends in lighting, it's not easy to use traditional glass neon lights for both industrial and domestic purposes.

 

Neon lighting with red English alphabet and numbers sign

These are the LED neon lights that come in play. This is a revolutionary technology in the neon lighting industry. It is also one reason neon lighting has seen a huge comeback. Continue reading to learn the difference between traditional neon lighting and LED neon. Which one is better for you?

 

What are Neon Lights?

While Neon is considered the fifth most abundant element, it was only in 1910 that commercial lighting was made with this element.

 

George Claude (chemist and engineer) updated the neon tube in order to create bright advertising signs.

 

In a few more decades, neon lights were everywhere.

 

Traditional neon lights use a small amount encased within a glass tube. The neon gas must be kept under pressure. The glass surface emits the bright neon light.

 

Neon tube light package isolated on black

Instead of emitting a smooth stream of light like a normal neon lamp, they often emit sparks or bright lights. Some believe that neon lights are so original and unique because they emit sparks of bright light instead of a continuous stream. Neon signage recalls the gritty, romantic lighting of a time when there was a lot more fun.

 

How do neon light work?

Neon is used in the creation of neon lights as it is one among the noble gasses. It is also easy to stabilize. The glass tube used for encasing the gas contains electrodes on both ends. When electricity is applied on the terminals at either end, electrons in each atom will separate and ionize. The electric circuit is complete when the ions are attracted towards the terminals of glass. Light is created when the atoms have a lower energy level and release photons.

 

 

The true form of neon gas is orange-red. To create different colors of lighting, you can mix neon gas with other gases. One example is that helium gives off pink light while krypton glows green. Interchangeable colors can be created by mixing different gasses. You can also coat the glass with a coating of phosphors or other chemicals to make it glow a specific color.

 

What are LED Neon Lights (or LED Neon Lights)?

LED neon lights are more efficient than glass neon lights and replicate the same lighting effect. These lights include a strip with various Light-emitting devices or LEDs attached to it. The color, brightness, size and strength of the LEDs that are used to produce the neon light will depend on their type, color and strength. These LED neon signs are becoming more popular every day because they are so easy to use and versatile.

 

There are many varieties of neon lights on the marketplace. The most popular is the neon LED rope light. You will also find LED light strips in popular shapes such as the alphabet, numbers, or novelty shapes like animals and food.

 

They come in a range of colors and can be ordered in various combinations. LED neon lights combine the old with new. They have bright neon colors, paired up with the most recent technology of lighting to give you greater control over their neon lights.

 

The quality LED neon lights produced by high-quality LEDs have a high luminous efficiency and produce soft and uniform light. Flexible LED strips make installation easier and are more convenient.

 

How do LED Neon Lighting Works?

A cluster of LEDs is mounted on a strip to create LED neon lights. The LEDs are made from different materials, and covered in a clear jacket that allows them to shine brightly. They do not require much power and can be easily dimmed if needed. Here's a video showing how LED lights work.

 

 

LED neon stripe can be purchased in many different colors. Bright neon colors are available as well as more muted options. An LED strip can contain multiple LEDs, which allows you to be creative with lighting.

 

What is the best choice for your space: LED vs neon?

The debate has been ongoing since the first neon LED lights were introduced to the marketplace. There are many valid arguments, but we'll let each side decide by giving all the facts. Here are some key differences between neon and LED neon light.

 

Light Effects and Luminance

These traditional neon lights create an amazing sparkling lighting effect. They almost seem to flicker.

 

The colors have a high colour rendering index or CRI, but not much luminosity. This is especially true when neon glass lights are covered with phosphor. The phosphor covers the light and changes its color, while dimming its brightness.

 

LED neon lights produce a seamless line of light, with no shadows and no dots. Even though the neon lights have a higher luminosity, they look less striking.

 

Round portal lighting in pink and blue spectrum vibrant colours

With the help of remote controllers, you can adjust the brightness and color temperature of LED neon strip lights. You can also adjust the color temperature and hue of your lights with the remote controllers.

 

Power Consumption

Only neon glass lamps can produce light at certain energy rates. This is because neon gas electrons require high jolts to separate.

 

Glass neon light fixtures are therefore dependent on a high level of power. Power must also be continuous as drops and fluctuations can cause neon lights' flickering or death.

 

For LED neon strips to work, they don't require any power supply. They consume very little energy to be turned on.

 

Neon abstract background

This is why they can withstand very small power fluctuations and last for a relatively short time. Their low power consumption makes them more affordable than glass neon lamps.

 

Installation

These glass tubes, which are fragile and unmanageable, are used in traditional neon lights. They must be installed in a secure place, away from any environmental or human factors.

 

Even a tiny crack could render the light useless. If the glass neon light breaks, it must be disposed of properly to avoid any injury to the environment or to other people.

 

Grunge Concrete Big White Glowing Lighting Lights Dark Hall Background

LED light strips have a great flexibility and are easy to put in. You can use them indoors or outside, overhead or underhead, in tight places, around corners, and anywhere else. They don't emit any harmful gasses, so you don’t have to walk on eggsshells in order to use them.

 

Versatility

Signage and advertising are best served by neon glass lights. Bright, bright lights with a crackling sound are not only striking but also highly recognizable.

 

One of the most common complaints about LED neon lighting is its lack of flickering effect. This is something that people are not used to seeing in traditional neon lights.

 

Many uses can be made of LED neon lights. LED neon lights can be used to illuminate commercial, domestic, and industrial spaces.

 

View of interior lobby in Bitexco office

They can be safely used for car, LCD, mobile and other lighting purposes. They can be used under cabinet, staircase and display case lighting as well outdoor and event lighting.

 

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for neon glass lamps. The neon gas should be changed regularly in order for the lights' to function properly.

 

Make sure that the glass surface remains clean and that the phosphor is not damaged. To ensure they work perfectly, the power terminals must be maintained on both ends.

 

Neon LED light bars are a quick and easy lighting solution. They don’t require any maintenance.

 

Night bright signboard with dark background

The aluminum or silicone covering protects the LEDs against any harmful factors. There are very few occasions when you will need to replace an LED, except for when they have gone out of control.

 

Conclusion

The best neon light choice depends on your needs, space, budget, personal preference, and personal preferences. If you have a more specific project like signage and a budget to spare, consider glass neon lights. For all else, opt for LED neon light stripe. They are cheaper, safer, easier to use and more versatile. Look through our catalog to find your perfect one.

 

Elstar, a professional LED strip manufacturer, offers high quality LED tapes.