Comparing Traditional Neon Signs and LED Neon Signs

Neon signs have always amazed people with their bright light. But now, new technology has brought a new option: LED neon signs. These newer signs save energy and make up about 65% of the market in signs. The worldwide market for traditional neon signs was worth USD 302.86 million in 2024. It is expected to keep growing. As you look at the differences between these two signs, think about how their costs, safety, effect on the environment, and design choices could affect your decision.

Key Takeaways

• LED neon signs cost less than traditional neon signs. This makes them good for small businesses.

• LED neon signs use 90% less energy than traditional ones. This means big savings on electricity bills over time.

• Safety is a big plus for LED neon signs. They work at low voltage and do not have dangerous materials like mercury.

• LED neon signs allow for more design choices. There are over 16 million colour options and they can make complex shapes and animations.

• With a longer life and less need for repairs, LED neon signs are a better and cheaper choice for signs.

Cost of Traditional Neon Signs vs LED Neon Signs

When you think about the cost of neon signs, the first payment is very important. Traditional neon signs usually cost more at the start than LED signs. Here’s a look at the costs:

As you can see, the total first payment for LED neon signs is much lower. This can really affect your budget, especially for small businesses or new companies.

Besides the first costs, you should think about the long-term running costs too. Traditional neon signs use a lot more energy than LED neon signs.

Over ten years, traditional neon signs cost about £5,470 for energy, while LED neon signs only cost around £630. This shows an amazing nearly 87% drop in energy costs, showing the money benefits of using LED technology.

Also, maintenance and repair costs are very different. Traditional neon signs can have higher maintenance costs because they last only 8 to 15 years. They often need repairs, which can add up. On the other hand, LED neon signs last longer, with an average life of 10 to 15 years. They need little maintenance and often come with warranties, making them a better choice for saving money over time.

Safety of LED Neon Signs Compared to Traditional Neon Signs

When you think about safety, you need to look at the risks of both LED neon signs and traditional neon signs. Traditional neon signs are made of fragile glass. This glass can break easily. It can get damaged from small hits. On the other hand, LED neon signs use flexible tubing. This tubing is made from strong, flame-retardant PVC. This makes them tougher and less likely to break. They can handle everyday bumps without shattering.

Here’s a quick look at what usually causes breakage:

You can see that traditional neon signs are more likely to break because they are made of glass. This can lead to expensive repairs and safety problems.

Next, let’s talk about electrical safety. Traditional neon signs work at high voltages. These can be between 3,000 and 18,000 volts. This high voltage can cause serious risks. You could get burns from the heat or be exposed to dangerous materials like mercury vapour. If the glass tubes break, you might get cuts from the glass.

In contrast, LED neon signs work at a normal 110V outlet. This makes them much safer. They use low voltage, so they are safe to touch. Also, LED neon signs do not have dangerous materials, so there are no risks from mercury.

Here’s a summary of the main electrical hazards:

Environmental Impact of Traditional Neon vs LED

When you think about how neon signs affect the environment, energy use is very important. Traditional neon signs use a lot more energy than LED neon signs. For example, traditional glass neon signs use between 0.8 to 1.2 kWh each hour. In comparison, LED neon signs only use 0.023 kWh each hour. This shows that LED technology is much better for saving energy.

Here’s a look at power use:

As you can see, LED neon signs are much better at saving energy. This means they have lower carbon footprints. The yearly carbon footprint for traditional neon signs is much higher because they use more energy.

Next, let’s look at how materials are used. Traditional neon signs use materials like glass tubes and gases such as neon and argon. These materials can be harmful to the environment if thrown away incorrectly. On the other hand, LED neon signs use flexible LED strips made from eco-friendly materials. This choice helps cut down greenhouse gas emissions and uses fewer resources over time.

Also, the way we throw away and recycle these signs is very different. Traditional neon signs can be hard to dispose of because they have toxic parts that can harm landfills. Proper disposal often needs special facilities. In contrast, LED neon signs are easier to recycle and throw away, which helps reduce environmental harm.

Design Flexibility of LED Neon Signs

When it comes to design flexibility, LED neon signs really stand out. You can change these signs in ways that traditional neon signs cannot. With LED neon, you have many colour options. Traditional neon only has 8 to 12 standard colours, but LED neon signs have over 16 million colours because of RGB technology. This lets you make bright displays that can change colour and brightness whenever you want.

Here’s a quick look at the customisation features:

The ability to change colours and make animations makes LED neon signs very attractive. You can programme them for different effects, like fading or strobing, which adds to their artistic appeal. Traditional neon signs, however, can only do very simple animations.

Size and shape variety also matter a lot in the design flexibility of LED neon signs. Traditional neon signs have limits on tube length and can only bend to a certain point. In contrast, LED neon signs can make tight curves down to a 0.5-inch radius. This flexibility helps you create detailed designs that fit your needs.

Here’s a summary of size capabilities:

Effectiveness and Visibility of Traditional Neon Signs vs LED

When you think about brightness and clarity, LED neon signs are better than traditional neon signs. In dark places, traditional neon signs look bright. But in bright areas, they become hard to see. On the other hand, LED neon signs stay bright even in well-lit spaces. They are easy to see from different angles, making them great for advertising. Here’s how they compare in brightness under different lighting:

You will also see a difference in how far you can see them. Traditional neon signs can be seen clearly up to 100 feet away. In contrast, LED neon signs can be seen from over 200 feet. This makes LED neon signs better for catching attention from far away.

In terms of clarity, LED neon signs are very bright. They have clear and vibrant colours, which makes them good for many places. Traditional neon signs glow for a long time but can be heavier and more fragile. This fragility can affect how clear they look and how they can be installed.

You will find that LED neon signs are lighter and tougher. They use less electricity and are safer to put up and take care of. Also, LED signs last much longer and are less likely to break.

The maintenance needs are also very different for both types. Traditional neon signs need checking every month because of problems like tube breakage and transformer issues. Repair costs can be between £150 and £600 each time, which can lead to downtime of one to two weeks. In contrast, LED neon signs only need checking once a year. They rarely have LED failures or connection problems, with repair costs usually between £20 and £80. Most repairs can be done on the same day, which reduces downtime and safety risks.

In conclusion, picking between traditional neon signs and LED neon signs has some key points to think about. You will see that LED neon signs need a lower initial investment and have reduced long-term operating costs. They also contain no toxic materials, which makes them safer for you and the planet.

Here are some main benefits of LED neon signs:

1. 90% lower energy consumption

2. Recyclable parts

3. Longer lifespan (up to 100,000 hours)

Traditional neon signs look nice, but they have problems like using more energy and safety risks because they are made of glass and use high voltage. In the end, LED neon signs are a better choice for being eco-friendly and saving money on your signs.

“LED neon does not need any harmful gases or mercury. Traditional neon signs, however, have a tiny bit of mercury, which helps create their special light colour.”

By thinking about these points, you can make a smart choice that fits your values and budget.

FAQ

What are LED neon signs made of?

LED neon signs are made from flexible LED strips inside strong PVC tubing. This makes them tough and light, unlike traditional neon signs that use fragile glass tubes.

How long do LED neon signs last?

LED neon signs usually last for 10 to 15 years. This is longer than traditional neon signs, which last only 8 to 15 years.

Are LED neon signs energy-efficient?

Yes, LED neon signs are very energy-efficient. They use about 90% less energy than traditional neon signs, making them a smart choice for businesses.

Can I customise LED neon signs?

Absolutely! LED neon signs can be customised in many ways. You can pick from over 16 million colours and different shapes, letting you create unique designs just for you.

Are LED neon signs safe to use?

Yes, LED neon signs are safe. They work at low voltage, which removes risks linked to high-voltage traditional neon signs, like burns or mercury exposure.

See Also

Steps to Create Stunning LED Neon Sign Designs

Why Custom LED Neon Signs Are Eco-Friendly Choices

A Guide to Making Your Personalised Neon LED Sign

Creating Your Own Flexible LED Neon Sign Easily

Illuminate Your Home with Custom Neon LED Signs