Neon signs are now common lighting accessories that people use for several purposes. And this is because of its versatility. It can be used for décor, advertising, and even mood/dim lighting. Besides their versatility, LED neon signs are durable, eye-catching, and have a good lifespan.
Among the great benefits neon signs offer, many people still have a major lingering doubt. Are neon signs safe? This article will address any concerns you may have about neon signs, focusing more on the safety of these signs.
Is Neon Signage Safe to Use?
Yes, Neon signage is safe to use. Although many people think neon signs are dangerous because of the inert gases in their lights. This misconception follows the belief that gases may leak into the air if the neon signage lights get damaged.
Still, that's not how neon signs work. Neon signs are designed to cut off the escape of gases immediately after the lights get damaged. In addition, electric charge is also immediately turned off when there's damage to neon lighting, ensuring there's no passage of current through the gases. This concept is the reason why personalised neon lights have been on the market for a long time without any reports of any serious accident cases.
Can Neon Signs Burn Me?
Not at all. Neon is completely safe to touch and will not burn your hand. With proper manufacturing and installation, neon will only remain warm. However, the electrodes connected to each piece of neon tube, which indicates the start and end point for the transmission or the current, can get hot and shouldn't be touched. At Neon87, we'll cover these parts with rubber caps. So if you're worried about people trying to take these off, let us know so when we make your sign, we can fix them using silicone, meaning they would have to be cut off to remove them. The rest of the neon sign is safe to touch with zero risk of burning.
Are They Also Safe For The Environment Too?
To a reasonable extent, Neon Signs are environmentally friendly, depending on their design. Usually, neon lights are made using argon or neon gases. However, the signage tubes are used to confine these gases. In addition, the gases are isolated in a higher density using the glass tubes, allowing the transmission of electric voltage and producing bright neon tube light.
Most importantly, argon and neon are inert gases. Therefore, they never react with chemicals or elements, so you need not worry about environmental or health hazards. But, if damage occurs on the neon glass tubes, there's an immediate disconnection, and the gas doesn't diffuse into the air.
Conversely, because of their similarity to traditional light bulbs, neon signs are perceived as energy-inefficient and an environmental pollutant. This is because of their high energy use; traditional light bulbs, such as halogen and incandescent, consume much energy.
Although neon signs and light bulbs share some similarities, the difference is that most neon lights run on below 100W illumination. So, they still use relatively less energy. You can also use neon LED lights instead of neon lights.
Unlike traditional neon lights, LED lights don't have gases in them. LED neon lights are more energy-saving, use significantly less energy and, release smaller emissions. In addition, LED neon lights are seen as eco-friendly.
If you're in the UK and need neon signs, we can create them for you. Neon 87 is a signage company that can creatively design to your taste, deliver, install, and service your signage in the most cost-efficient and effective way! Contact us today, and let's work on your next project!