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Neon Information Center

The purpose of this website is to inform and educate anyone who wants to learn more about neon products and to provide them with a one-stop shopping source for all their neon product purchases.

HISTORY OF NEON LIGHTS AND NEON SIGNS

The word "neon" is derived from the Greek "neos" which means "the new gas".

Neon is a rare atmospheric gas - the ratio being one part neon in 65,000 parts of air. Neon gas was discovered in London in 1898. It is extracted by liquefying the air and is then separated from the other gases by a process known as fractional distillation.

The first observance of glowing light dates much further back, however. In 1675, the French astronomer Jean Picard noticed a faint glow after shaking a mercury barometer tube. It was not understood at the time, but we now know that the glow was caused by static electricity.

After the discovery of electricity, scientists began investigating other forms of lighting. In the 1850's a German glassblower, Heinrich Geissler, developed the geissler tube. Gas was placed in a tube under low pressure and was charged with electricity, which made the gas glow.

With the invention of the electric generator, much experimentation began taking place with the application of electricity to tubes of gas. In the United States and Europe, several types of these lamps were invented and were called electrical discharge lamps or vapor lamps. In the early 1900's, a French inventor, chemist, and engineer by the name of Georges Claude used neon as the gas in the tube. This new neon lamp was unveiled to the public in Paris in 1910. Claude’s company, Claude Neon, later introduced neon signs to the United States. Two neon signs were sold to a car dealership in Los Angeles. The neon signs read "Packard", and sold for $24,000! From that time on, neon lights were in demand as a form of outdoor advertising. People often referred to these new neon signs as "liquid fire."

Within 10 years, neon lights were widely used across the U.S. for advertising. By the 1950’s, large elaborate neon signs of many colors could be found in most towns. Even animated neon signs were possible – a woman diving into a pool, etc. Las Vegas was known around the world for its use of these kinds of neon signs. One of the most famous of these neon signs was a huge neon flamingo with fluttering neon light feathers. This animation was achieved by using multiple layers of neon light tubes, which were each powered in a timed sequence.

Use of neon signs and neon lights began to decline in the 1960’s due to rising production costs, poor craftsmanship, and the rising popularity of fluorescent lighting. Neon lights and neon signs were also expensive to repair and were wrongly thought to be costly to use. By this time, neon signs were mostly associated with cheap motels, strip clubs, and bars.

The future did not look good for neon light. At one time, there were thousands of neon sign companies which employed many more thousands of neon light tube benders. Those numbers dwindled significantly before a renewed interest in neon signs during the 1970’s. Neon lights were wildly popular in discos.

Neon lights are now more popular than ever with many new forms and uses. Automobile license plates can be accented with neon, and neon lights can even be attached underneath your car! Because neon lights can be powered with battery-operated transformers, they can be used in parades and even on costumes for stage productions.

Neon signs and neon lights get noticed!!

HOW NEON LIGHTS AND NEON SIGNS ARE MADE

The hollow glass tubes used for neon lights and neon signs come in lengths of 4 ft, 5 ft, and 8 ft. While the tubes are still room temperature, they are scored with a file. To cut and bend the tube, the glass must be heated to a range of 1600° to over 2200° F. The temperature of the propane gas used to heat the glass must be approximately 3000° F. The artist or "neon bender" then may create his designs. When his creation is completed, the bent tube must then be processed. The air in the tube is evacuated and then replaced by neon or another gas, and the tube is sealed off. If the vacuum is not disturbed, the neon light can last for many years.

Neon gas only produces the color red, which is the most popular color in neon signs. Other colors are obtained by using different gasses. For example, Mercury produces blue; Carbon dioxide produces white; and Helium produces gold. Over 150 colors for what are collectively called “neon lights” are now possible using gas mixtures and colored tubing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE NEON LIGHTS AND NEON SIGNS DANGEROUS?

By itself, neon gas is not poisonous or explosive. The small amount of mercury found in some neon lights is not dangerous as long as the tube is not damaged. Some neon sign shops will not repair neon lights when mercury has been used in the manufacturing process.

There can be a shock and/or fire hazard if the neon sign has not been properly insulated, wired, or mounted. It takes anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 volts to power a neon light. Because of this, beware of a cheap neon sign!

WHAT COLORS ARE BEST TO USE FOR NEON SIGNS?

Neon signs with red letters are the most easily read. Pink and green are a good second choice for lettering on your neon sign. The least readable colors for neon signs are blue, yellow, and purple. These last three colors are recommended for borders. Using a black background for your neon sign will increase the visibility of any color you choose.

WHY DO NEON LIGHTS AND NEON SIGNS COST SO MUCH?

In the long run, your neon sign or neon light is very economical. Nothing glows like a neon light – your neon sign will definitely draw attention and customers! The initial costs are directly related to the material and labor to build your neon sign. It might seem expensive at first, but neon signs need very little maintenance and are very energy efficient. An average-sized neon sign will use about the same amount of energy as one light bulb. Even if you leave your neon sign on 24 hours a day, it will only cost you about 25 cents a day.

HOW LONG WILL MY NEON SIGN LAST?

The average life span of a neon sign is usually between 8 to 15 years. Neon signs can be recharged and repaired. The life expectancy of the transformer, which powers your neon sign, is generally 5 to 7 years, but some will last 10 to 15 years. They are easily replaceable. Transformers for neon signs are affected by heat and electrical surges.

IF MY NEON SIGN BREAKS, CAN IT BE REPAIRED?

Neon signs can usually be repaired. Most neon signs are composed of several units. The unit that is broken can be either repaired or replaced. A new piece of neon tube can be attached by melting it onto the remaining original tubing. Some neon sign repair shops, however, will not repair neon signs made with mercury. It may not be cost effective to repair a neon sign with many breaks – you may want to replace it with a brand new neon sign.

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