Truths and Myths About Neon Signs: Which Are Safe and Which Are Not
Even though neon signs have been pretty for a long time, some people still think they are dangerous. That these signs look hot, poisonous, or unsafe to touch is an old idea that many people still hold on to. Most custom neon signs and LED neon signs made today are made with safer materials and more power.
What Do Neon Lights Really Do?
That’s safe neon gas inside a real neon tube. It glows when electricity runs through it. The type of gas and the cover inside the tube are what change the color. For instance, a blue light is made when argon is covered in phosphor. There’s no smoke, nothing that can catch fire, or waste that is bad for you.
A lot of people want to know if lights can get burned. Or does bright light make you sick? It’s not true. The fact that neon is a neutral gas means that it doesn’t react or burn properly. It is not the gas itself that could be dangerous, but the high-voltage sources that are used in normal tubes. These LED light signs are made by hand and use low-voltage LEDs that are sealed in rubber instead of glass.
Avoid “Broken Neon Signs Are Dangerous” Signs
You could get a small electric shock if you touch a broken neon sign from the 1980s while it’s on. It’s safer to use the new ones.
Make sure a broken light sign is not plugged in before you touch it. The gas itself is not dangerous; what is dangerous are the wires that are out in the open. A broken tube won’t glow, but it also won’t give off any dangerous fumes.
The old glass tubes aren’t used at all in some new light signs that run on batteries. These are great for homes, coffee shops, and game rooms because they work with safe DC power.
Do Neon Signs Get Hot?
After a while of use, neon lights that were made with gas used to give off heat. The ones today use LEDs and stay cool all day.
Because they are made of bendable rubber, custom LED neon signs can be used on walls, in bars, or in rooms that are closed off.
Common misunderstandings that need to be cleared up
1. Neon lights use too much power. About the same amount of power goes into your new neon sign as into an LED light bulb in your house. These light bulbs use less power than standard ones.
2. All neon signs contain harmful gases
Agon or mercury vapor gases were only used in older types of glass. Modern neon signs, neon lights, and LED versions of them don’t use gas.
3. You can’t have lights inside
Custom neon signs are mostly made these days to be used in beds, event halls, and as home art. They’re not heavy, feel cool, and are easy to put together.
4. You can’t wear neon anymore
People still like old neon signs, especially in bars and restaurants that like the way they look. LEDs can make that look happen now, and they use less power.
Fire Safety and Flashing Lights
A lot of the time, people worry that neon is dangerous because it can cause fires.
Neon signs that use LEDs don’t get very hot and last a long time. PVC or rubber that doesn’t catch fire is usually used for the housing. That there is almost no chance of a fire if the power source and charger are good and not too full.
How to Make Neon Signs That Are Safe
People who want to learn how to make light signs need to be careful with voltage. The power sources and insulation materials that business makers like NeonChamp use have been checked.
To avoid short circuits, never use more than 24V DC when making your own neon projects with neon signs that are driven by batteries. Also, make sure the cases are properly sealed.