The main common theme between LED and Neon is that they are both a source of light for signs (and many other items), but that is about it where their similarities end. They both have their place in the sign world, and in this portion of our multi-part blog we will see the basic Pros and Cons of each.
We will give a brief description of each here and go into more depth of both in future posts.
LED – Stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is basically a semiconductor that produces light. There are for more LED’s in everyday life than you may realize, such as car instrument clusters, watches, calculators, etc.
Pros to LED lighting for Signs:
- Extermely long bulb life (100,000 + hours)
- High light output with low voltage input
- Very low maintenance
- Extremely durable
- Unlimited color options
- Doesn’t use mercury or any other toxic chemicals to produce light
- Low power consumption
Cons to LED lighting for Signs:
- Up front costs invested in future proofing
- Some are somewhat directional (focused beam)
- As with anything, there are cheaper/less reliable brands
- Some higher wattage LED’s run hot and need a heatsink
Neon is a low pressure gas inside a glass tube with and electrode at each end of that tube. When high voltage is connected to the electrodes, it charges the gas to a point that it gives off light that can be seen.
Pros to Neon lighting for signs:
- Wide operating ranges
- Sometimes they don’t need a special power supply
- Can run on AC or DC
- Can be made into custom shapes
- “Old school” look and feel cannot be duplicated
Cons to Neon lighting for signs:
- They output very little light for amount of power required
- Limited colors available based on gas and glass color configurations
- The glass tubes can be fragile
- Generally only one color can be used at a time
- Very high maintenance costs
- One small crack and the entire piece is broken
These are just a few things to give you an idea of the good and the bad of each. In the sign world there is a time and place for LED and Neon lighting and at Signarama Detroit our expert staff can help you choose which is right for you. If you have questions about neon signs or are wondering why we choose LED’s for channel letters give us a call!
FAQs
LED neon signs like NeonPlus® are around 80% more energy efficient than traditional neon signs, using far less power and giving off only an inconsequential amount of heat. As they also tend to made from materials which are fully recyclable, they have a smaller carbon footprint.
What are the disadvantages of neon signs? ›
Cons to Neon lighting for signs:
The glass tubes can be fragile. Generally only one color can be used at a time. Very high maintenance costs. One small crack and the entire piece is broken.
Why are neon signs not used anymore? ›
Because of environmental and health concerns, traditional neon signage is in little use today. Manufacturers originally made the glass with lead to soften it more easily with a gas flame, but health concerns caused by the lead forced them to look for more environmentally safe soft glass options.
What lasts longer neon or LED? ›
Because LED lights last longer and use less energy, they are a much more environmentally friendly than neon lights. Since your sign has a longer life expectancy, you won't have to worry about replacing your sign, which will be better for the environment and your budget.
What is the best light for signage? ›
In most cases, LED sign use has an incredibly bright output, so the sign is highly visible. With that, the color rendering index is far more attractive as well. LEDs create eye-catching illumination that lasts, and it's great for outdoor use.
How long do LED neon signs last? ›
– one of the most common questions we receive from our customers. Generally, neon light signs can easily last about eight to fifteen years when taken appropriate care of. However, the longevity of neon signs depends on several factors, such as usage, quality of the materials, external damages, and more.
What are some weaknesses of neon? ›
Neon Cons
- They output very little light for amount of power required.
- Limited colors available based on gas and glass color configurations.
- The glass tubes can be fragile.
- Generally only one color can be used at a time.
- Very high maintenance costs.
- One small crack and the entire piece is broken.
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Neon: * Direct skin contact can cause frostbite. * High exposure can cause fatigue, vision disturbance, headache, confusion, dizziness and suffocation from lack of Oxygen.
Does hot weather affect neon signs? ›
Yes, both traditional and LED neon signs can work in hot weather. The glass neon signs can be more susceptible to overheating, but both are generally safe for use in warm environments.
Are neon signs going out of style? ›
More From House Beautiful. Ask designer Chauncey Boothby, though, and the trend has run its course. “Neon signs have saturated the marketplace and are teetering on kitsch at this point,” Boothby says. She suggests looking to the highlighter hues that grace the 2020 runways for a more sophisticated take on neon.
LED signs require minimal upkeep and are less prone to issues such as flickering, dimming, or bulb replacements, which are common concerns with traditional neon signs.
What is an alternative to neon signs? ›
The (very) short answer is: LED. While this doesn't sound very sexy at first, don't be fooled: the application possibilities for LED lighting in advertising are endless. LED technology has been around since the 1960s, but people didn't really start getting creative with it until (roughly) the 1990s.
Do LED neon signs get hot? ›
LED neon signs generate little heat and are safe to touch, unlike neon signs that become extremely hot when on. The range of colours available for LED signs is almost limitless. This makes it easier to express image more closely is easier because of this, maintaining brand integrity.
Is neon more expensive than LED? ›
LED Flex Neon is a much more affordable modern technology that does not require special glass bending and other manufacturing techniques. Typically LED Neon signs only cost 1/3 or 1/2 the price of a traditional neon sign.
Are LED signs cheaper than neon? ›
Costly Than LED Neon Signs
Custom neon signs can be a bit expensive compared to LED neon signs. An average LED sign will only cost about $60 a year to run, whereas an average neon sign will cost about $165 a year.
Which is better neon or LED strip light? ›
In summary, while both Neon Flex and LED strips have their unique appeals and uses, LED strips generally offer greater flexibility, durability, and control options, alongside their energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Do LED neon signs burn out? ›
WIthout regular, diligent maintenance, neon lights burn out far quicker, so commit to the upkeep of your investment. LED neon signs are known for their durability and are far less likely to be damaged. Their lifespan frequently exceeds 50,000 hours and you can switch them on and off at will.
Is there anything better than LED for lighting? ›
XED or Xenon Energy Saving Discharge Lamps are superior to the most popular LED or Light Emitting Diodes in many ways. XED lights are better in terms of spectral contents, power consumption as well as total running life hours. They produce less glares and are clearer under foggy weather.
