Neon LED strip lights are getting more popular due to their numerous advantages.
Traditionally, people preferred neon lights for signages and accent lighting due to their warm neon-like glow.
However, their shortcomings make many embrace neon LED lights as they produce a similar light.
Additionally, they are more durable, consume less power, and are easy to install.
But why the name? Do they contain neon gas? How do they work? Well, read on to find out.
Features of Neon LED Strip Lights
(A purple neon LED strip light)
Neon LED lights have unique features that enhance their functionality and versatility, including:
First, they are highly flexible, allowing you to bend, twist, or shape them to fit different installations.
Second, they are cuttable and connectable, with the sections you can cut having markings for easier identification.
Third, they are available in many color options with extra features like color-changing effects and dynamic lighting patterns.
Fourth, some have excellent dust and waterproof capabilities, enhancing their durability in challenging environments.
Fifth, you can use neon LED strips with adhesive backing for easier installation.
Other features include:
- Remote control and smart integration
- Excellent energy efficiency than most light sources
- Long lifespans with high-quality ones lasting more than 100,000 hours
- Dimmability
Types of Neon LED Strip Lights
(Golden neon LED strip lights)
Neon LED strip lights come in various shapes and sizes to suit indoor and outdoor lighting applications.
Generally, they are popular as a replacement for the traditional neon lights that are popular for signages and accent lighting.
Moreover, there are several types of neon LED lights, each with benefits.
Single-color Neon LED Strip Lights
The single-color neon LED light emits a single color along the whole length of the strip.
Typically, they are popular for simple signages or decorative lighting that don’t need to be flashy.
For instance, you can illuminate your staircase with a blue neon LED strip light if you don’t want one that changes color frequently.
RGB Neon LED Strip Lights
They are the most popular neon LED strip light with a wide range of options.
You can create millions of patterns and color options with red, green, and blue colors.
Therefore, they are more versatile than traditional glass neon lights.
Flexible Neon LED Strip Lights
(Accent lighting using flexible neon LED strip light)
Flexible neon LED lights will instantly improve your space’s aesthetic appeal, especially if other lighting options are not working.
Their main strength is that you can twist or bend them as you wish as long as you don’t damage the flexible circuit board.
Additionally, some come with adhesive backs for easier installation, even on rough surfaces.
Waterproof Neon LED Strip Lights
If you plan to install your neon LED lights in an open outdoor space, it’s wise to go with the waterproof versions.
Generally, they have good ingress protection (IP) ratings, with some having IP68. In other words, an IP68 waterproof neon LED light is resistant to water and dust for extended periods.
Digital Neon LED Strip Lights
They are a version of LED strip lights with a built-in controller allowing you to control each LED bulb precisely. Generally, they have programs that light up individual diodes to display patterns, texts, or graphics.
Additionally, they are advantageous because they have greater versatility making them popular for large-scale lighting installations and dynamic signage.
Side View Neon LED Strip Light
They are neon LED lights that display from the sides rather than the front. In other words, the LEDs line up along the side of the tubing or the thin edge of the strip.
They are popular for signages that lack sufficient space to install front-facing LEDs. Additionally, you can use them for intricate designs or illuminating tight curves.
Considerations When Buying Neon LED Strip Lights
(A woman buying lights from a store)
There are many versions of neon LED strip lights to the extent that buying the right one can be confusing.
It’s more so if you are unfamiliar with the industry standards and features of high-quality LED strip lights.
Consequently, here are what you must consider when buying neon LED strip lights.
Brightness and Color
Your purpose for the neon LED lights should guide your purchasing decision. Generally, neon LED lights for outdoor signages are brighter than indoor ones.
Moreover, consider the color options coming with the LED, as multi-color strips are generally more attractive.
Length
Another consideration is the length of your neon LED strip. Ensure to measure the installation area before purchasing one to guarantee sufficient strip length.
Moreover, consider the assembly options to see if you can join several strips to form your desired shape or pattern.
Power Consumption
Most indoor neon LED lights rely on low voltage direct current (DC) power, like 12 or 24 volts.
Conversely, some outdoor lights operate on high voltage alternating current (AC) power from the mains supply.
Therefore, ensure that your power supply matches the energy requirements of your LED strip.
Waterproof Rating
If you don’t plan on providing a waterproof enclosure for your neon LED strip light, ensure they have excellent water resistance.
An easy way to know how waterproof your light is is by looking for its ingress protection rating.
The higher it is, the better for outdoor use. Additionally, look for IP65 or higher ratings for damp indoor rooms such as bathrooms.
Installation Method
The installation method can dictate the type of neon LED lights you mount.
For instance, if you install it on a glass wall, it’s better to use a strip with adhesives for attaching to the wall.
Mounting clips, nails, and screws work well in plastic and wooden walls but will ruin ceramic and glass.
Control Options
Check if your neon LED strip light has control features such as dimmers or compatibility with smart systems.
If not, confirm whether they have compatibility with eternal dimmers and controllers.
FAQs
How long will neon LED strip lights last?
Generally, neon LED strip lights last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours under good maintenance.
In other words, the lights can last between 17 and 34 years if you keep them on for 8 hours daily.
However, the longevity of your lights depends on their quality, usage, and maintenance. If you buy poor-quality neon LED lights, expect them to last less.
Additionally, you must use them properly by installing them in the right places and away from water if they aren’t waterproof.
How do neon LED strip lights work?
Neon LED strip lights rely on surface-mounted LEDs to produce illumination when an electric current passes through them.
Generally, the LEDs are on a flexible printed circuit board that’s housed within a flexible plastic cover.
The plastic cover has the primary role of diffusing the directional LED light to appear like traditional neon lights.
Additionally, most neon LED strip lights operate on low-voltage DC power, meaning you need to power them using a battery.
If you must power from the mains AC supply, ensure to connect a power converter between your neon LEDs and the power socket.
Is neon LED strip light environmentally friendly?
Yes. The neon LED strip light is environmentally friendly as they don’t have any harmful substances like mercury.
Furthermore, they are more energy efficient than traditional light sources meaning they don’t waste energy.
For instance, an LED light converts more than 90 percent of incoming wattage to light energy.
On the other hand, an incandescent bulb converts less than 20 percent, while the rest is lost in the form of heat energy.
Conclusion
If you plan to install signage lights in your home or business, we recommend installing neon LED lights.
They are durable, easy to install, and energy efficient. Moreover, people unfamiliar with neon LED lights may assume that the lights have neon gas, but that’s not the case.
Actually, the name comes from the aesthetic resemblance the neon LED lights have to traditional neon lights.
In other words, they mimic the appearance of traditional neon lights by using flexible plastic tubes housing LEDs.