Your Cart is Empty
Although the technology associated with the invention of neon signs dates back to 1675, the details of when neon signs were invented didn't occur until 1915.
As Georges Claude was examining the details of neon gas, he saw that an electrical current could be introduced to the gas to make it light up, which is the basic manner of how neon signs work today.
In 1910, Claude introduced a neon lamp to viewers in Paris before lighting up other countries around the world. In 1915, Claude applied for and received a patent for the neon tube that is in signs, lamps, and other items that use this technology.
Details of the neon sign invention also include the introduction of neon gas in 1923, which is an essential component for the operation of neon signs. When looking at how do neon signs work, the gas that is inside many of them easily moves around instead of being trapped by electric components so that the entire sign can light up instead of only a few areas.
When you look at a neon sign, it usually appears to operate with ease. Details of how neon signs work include the amount of gas needed inside the sign to make it glow as well as the components that allow for the different colors that you see.
Neon lights are seen in everything from store signs to landing strips at airports because of the brightness given off by the gas and electricity in the tubes.
There is only a small amount of gas in each tube that you see. If a large amount was present, then the tube could break because of the higher amount of pressure present.
When an electric current is introduced to the gas, such as when the sign or device is turned on, the electrons in the gas are removed.
The ions then attach to the terminals inside the tube and device in order for the circuit to be complete.
When there is enough energy inside the atoms, light is produced in the tube. As the atoms begin to lose their energy, they begin to dim over time.
Other gases are often used in the tube to make different colors. Each of the noble gases gives off a certain color, so when that specific gas is used in the tube, it gives off its particular color.
When argon is used, you'll see blue, and when krypton is used, you would see green. You can mix the colors if you know which gases combine to make a certain color.
Another way that you can get different neon colors is by applying a phosphor coating to the outside of the tube so that the color applied will show instead of the plain neon light.
A question many people ask is are neon signs safe?
You can touch a neon sign without being injured. However, since it is a light, you need to be careful about touching it for long periods of time.
Another concern regarding neon sign safety involves breaking the tube that contains the gas. If the tube breaks, then the electrical components will be exposed. You should properly dispose of the tube and the other components as you could get injured from broken glass or wires.
Handle all of the signs that you have with care because the tubes are made of glass. If you do treat them with respect, then you'll find that they will usually last for several years.
When you clean your sign, you need to unplug it from the electric source. This will prevent it from shorting out and prevent any electrocution that could occur if you use liquids when cleaning the sign.
Although it's alright to leave your sign or other neon device on for long periods of time, you should know that the gas inside the tubes can lose its potency over time. This means that you're not going to see a strong glow as you would when the sign is first turned on or when the sign is new.
If you've paid attention to bright lights outside, then you've probably seen bugs attracted to them. You can keep bugs from swarming over your neon signs by displaying them in a window so that they aren't directly outdoors. A bug zapper is an option to consider as well that can keep most bugs away.
If possible, leave your sign plugged in so that it does stay on as it could take longer for the gas to become excited once again after the sign is turned off.
Check out all of our LED neon signs we offer ranging from simple designs to those that are you can customize however you want! All of our signs are energy efficient compared to real neon signs and can be displayed in multiple areas in your home or business including on desks and walls.