Everyone knows what neon signs stand for and what purposes they serve. These brightly colored illuminated signs have long served their purpose of drawing attention. They are now available in their newer iterations – LED signs. Neon signage has always been effective because of the innate human nature. The fact is that humans are visual creatures. If you can catch a person’s eye and attention, it’s good for your business.
While LED lights are much more widely used, some people continue to prefer traditional neon signs for various reasons. So, how LED and neon lights are different and which one should you choose for an illuminated sign? Get answers to this question in this guide.
What are Neon & LED Signs?
Neon lights are typically made up of glass tubes. The light is produced when the inert gas inside the tube releases energy. The tubes are elegantly made yet they are fragile. These lights come with unique open circuit protection that ensures safety against the current flow in case of damage.
LED signs are made using light-emitting diodes. These signs are typically light weight and more rugged, as they are wrapped inside a polymer jacket.
Differences
Both LED and neon signs have their unique advantages. The differences between the two in terms of different factors are as follows:
i. Energy Efficiency
Similar to other electrical fixtures, energy efficiency is a big factor in making a choice between LED signs and their neon counterparts. Neon lights require more power to operate. Any power fluctuation can cause your neon signage to stop working.
On the other hand, LED‘s require very little power to illuminate. In simple terms, LED signs have much higher energy-efficiency. They work without flickering even in case of power fluctuations.
ii. Brightness & Light Control
LED signs are brighter and are visible from much farther away. The brightness in LED signage is dimmable. This means you have control over the brightness. On the other hand, neon lights are warmer and some people consider them more pleasing to the eye.
LED lights also offer control over how the lights are displayed. You can purchase lights with systems that allow you to program and change certain parameters. The factors that are controllable include:
- Colors
- Brightness
- Dimming effect
On the other hand, neon lights are made for only one level of color and brightness.
iii. Installation
As mentioned above, neon lights are made of glass tubes and are fragile. Since more care is needed during installation, it can be a more time-consuming and costly process. Besides, you have to be careful where they are installed, as they cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.
LED signs are more durable and relatively easier to install. This further makes them more affordable to install. Another advantage of LED neons is they can be designed to be flexible. While neon signage has traditionally been used for outdoor applications, modern LED counterparts are more suited for the purpose.
iv. Durability & Longevity
As mentioned above, LED signs tend to be more durable and do not easily break. Besides, they can also hold up to the elements. While making a choice between the two types of signs, you should also consider their operational service life.
While neon lights come with a general promise of lasting up to 30,000 hours before giving you any issues, the LED counterparts can last much longer. Similar to other types of LED lights, LED-based neons can last three times or longer. It is recommended to consider how long you desire your neon lights to last when choosing between the two.
Modern LED signs, even when they do not have anything to do with the traditional neon lights, are sometimes referred to as LED neon signs. There is greater versatility with LED lights, as they can be designed and customized based on the application. Neon lights are perfect for signage options. Many people prefer the latter for their flickering effect when turned on. On the other hand, LED lights provide a more consistent and seamless signage experience.
Whether you prefer LED or neon signage for your business, X.L. Signs offers just the right options you will need.
Share this post