{"id":3893,"date":"2023-06-26T08:47:01","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T08:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/?p=3893"},"modified":"2023-06-26T08:47:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T08:47:04","slug":"neon-lights-vs-led-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/neon-lights-vs-led-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Neon Lights vs LED Lights: All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you planning on installing a new sign and are wondering which one to go with as you consider neon lights vs. LED lights?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are the two most popular choices regarding accent and signage lighting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But which is the true top choice for buyers? LED lights are versatile, durable, long-lasting, and easy to install.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, neon lights are long-lasting and have a more aesthetically pleasing light. So which one should you choose? Read on to find out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Neon Lights and LED Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Neon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Neon lights signage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neon lights are electricity-powered lighting relying on luminous gas discharge tubes<\/a> to create light.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, they have rarefied neon gas inside a sealed glass tube having a metal electrode at either end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, they emitted an orange color due to neon gas within the tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Over time, the incorporation of other gases like helium (yellow), mercury (blue), and hydrogen (red) inside the tubes has resulted in more color patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, LED lights rely on an electric current passing through a microchip, which in turn triggers the light-emitting diodes to emit electricity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the fact that the LEDs don\u2019t rely on external components, like gas, to produce light, they are more efficient. Specifically, they convert around 90 percent of incoming power to light energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparing the Working and Power Usage of Neon and LED Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Neon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Neon lights for street food signage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neon and LED lights are popular across the globe for outdoor advertising and signage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Additionally, artists use them to illuminate or improve the aesthetic appeal of individual projects or massive architectures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But given the recent surge in LED <\/a>lights’ popularity, we need to look at how the two work and their power usage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neon Lights Working and Power Usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Neon lights work by relying on a high electric voltage, exciting the inert gas molecules and knocking off an electron. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, inert gases don\u2019t react with most elements in nature unless you provide a form of excitation that removes an outer electron. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the energy is insufficient, there won\u2019t be enough kinetic energy for the electron to escape, and you won\u2019t detect any light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, atoms within the tube move around, colliding with each other. In the process, they transfer energy, producing much heat, and some electrons get excited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Afterward, the electrons release the extra energy in the form of photons<\/a> before returning to their original state. It\u2019s the photon energy that we detect as light.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the neon lights work using both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) energies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The only problem is that the DC energy doesn\u2019t oscillate, meaning you will see a glow on one end of the tube while the other remains dark.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of power usage, neon lights use around 25 to 150 watts per linear foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0However, such is a generalization; your light may use more or less than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED Lights Working and Power Usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"LED<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(The LED signage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED lights work through the principle of electroluminescence or passing an electric current through a diode to emit light energy in the form of photons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you excite a diode, electrons jump from one side of a P-N junction to the other side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, they get enough energy to jump from the lower energy orbitals to higher energy level orbitals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, they fall from the conduction bands to the lower orbitals, where they fall into P-type layer holes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process involves releasing energy that we see as photons or light energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of power consumption, LEDs are very energy efficient with a high efficacy or wattage-to-lumen<\/a> ratio.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, LEDs are the best light source for converting electrical energy to light. Specifically, depending on the application, they can consume between 2 and 20 watts of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Neon vs. LED Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Visitors<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Visitors enjoying neon lights)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neon lights remain popular in certain applications, such as signages all over the globe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, LED lights are quickly gaining popularity as people learn of the massive benefits that come with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we are looking at why you should choose one and not the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neon Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n