Neon used to be the only option for business signage.
In fact, many stores throughout the United States started using neon by 1940, and some are now even considered historical components to those same buildings.
While an essential part of America’s lighting history, neon has been slowly phased out. In fact, some cities are prohibiting their use.
Regardless if you have restrictions on neon light usage at night, a LED neon flex product over traditional glass tube neon lights offers you a lot more bang for your buck. When you compare the advantages of the two, you will quickly see why more companies are moving toward LED options than traditional glass neon tubes.
Critical Comparisons of LED Neon Flex to Traditional Neon Lights
1. What is the Source of Light?
A traditional glass neon uses neon gas fluorescents to power the light.
LED uses solid-state semiconductors that offer energy savings and are eco-friendlier than neon gas.
2. What is the Input Voltage of Each?
Glass neon has an input voltage of 3KV to 18KV. LED, on the other hand, has 24V/120V. This is an average AC voltage range, which makes LED neon flex safer than glass-tubed neon lights.
3. How Long Do They Last?
Glass neon used to be the industry standard, because it did have a long lifespan. However, once LED technology was released, it quickly became obsolete. The average life expectancy (in hours) for a neon glass tube is 10,000.
LED neon flex lights, on the other hand, offer up to 30,000 or more hours of light. Therefore, LEDs have three times longer of a lifespan.
4. Which is Easier to Install and Create?
LED neon flex lights are incredibly easy. Even an entry-level technician could install them – including a business owner that takes pride in a bit of DIY. They can be cut, bent, and shaped to just about any figure. Glass neon, on the other hand, requires a master artisan with experience in production, developing, and installation.
5. Which is More Durable?
No one wants to replace his or her company’s signage due to accidents. Glass neon is extremely fragile, so if you were to drop the sign, it would most likely break. LED neon flex products are flame retardant, flexible, and made from PVC; therefore, they are unlikely to break even if you were to drop the sign.
6. Which is Better for the Environment?
There is the potential issue of mercury contamination from neon lights, especially from breathing in heated mercury impregnated glass products. Neon workers have been known to contract heavy metal poisoning from frequent exposure.
LED lights, on the other hand, have no mercury or heavy metal poisons, and they are safer for the environment too because they use less energy to light up.
When comparing glass neon to LED neon flex, there is no double which is the better option. While your LED options will require an upfront investment, you will quickly see that your investment pays for itself when you have fewer replacements, cheaper operating costs, and more attention from prospective customers.
GLLS is a premier provider of LED neon flex products, and our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff has been helping companies just like yours find LED solutions for signage, architecture, stage lighting, and more.
