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Re: LED vs. Neon

Posted By: John Anderson
Date: Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 2:34 p.m.

In Response To: Re: LED vs. Neon (SVP Neon Equipment)

> Would you mind explaining why neon perimiter
> lighting is outlawed in your city? Neon is
> far more efficient than LED and if installed
> correctly is entirely safe.

I might be assuming something here, but I think he is saying his City does not permit outline-lighting in windows. It probably wasn't intended as any bias against neon. The fact that they are asking about LED outlines is a testament to that. Since neon was once the only way to create this effect, they rules were probably worded specific to neon. For better or for worse, they were most certainly addressing the look-and-feel of a commercial district rather than a bias against neon.

The National Electric Code covers window outlines under the phrase "outline lighting". The ordinance should use this term to be consistent with other codes. Same is true of LED "message boards". If they haven't invaded NJ yet - they'll be there soon. They are often snuck in under rules intended for those time/temperture displays banks had. Now, such boards are no less than full-motion high-intensity large advertising signs (or billboards) - that require less of a permit than a companies unlit name on their building.

Erland, to answer your original question... neon can be distinguished the following ways:

1. it will always be made of glass, not plastic.
2. it will terminate in two 'electrodes', usually doubled-back the opposite direction.
3. It will be powered by a remote transformer putting out over 1000 volts, usually using thick wire the size of a pencil.

LED systems are now designed to specifically mimick neon. As I mentioned, you will have no control over the issue until the ordinance is changed from neon to "outline lighting." Neon is basically a fluorescent tube you can bend into any shape. LED neon look-a-likes bend a plastic tube instead, and fill it with LED's so it appears continuous. They are 2 different products ultimately doing the same thing.

Messages In This Thread

• LED vs. Neon -- Travis -- Friday, 8 April 2005, at 1:33 p.m.
  • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Sean S -- Friday, 8 April 2005, at 1:59 p.m.
    • Re: LED vs. Neon -- ¶¡½­Ö¾ -- Tuesday, 26 April 2005, at 10:43 a.m.
  • Re: LED vs. Neon -- joe -- Friday, 8 April 2005, at 2:26 p.m.
  • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Travis -- Friday, 8 April 2005, at 3:21 p.m.
    • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Erland Chau -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 12:20 p.m.
      • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Sean S -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 12:28 p.m.
      • Re: LED vs. Neon *NM* -- Erland Chau -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 12:29 p.m.
        • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Erland Chau -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 12:32 p.m.
          • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Sean S -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 1:31 p.m.
          • Re: LED vs. Neon -- SVP Neon Equipment -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 1:33 p.m.
            • Re: LED vs. Neon -- John Anderson -- Tuesday, 10 July 2007, at 2:34 p.m.
              • Re: LED vs. Neon *NM* -- Erland Chau -- Wednesday, 11 July 2007, at 12:24 p.m.
              • Re: LED vs. Neon -- Erland Chau -- Wednesday, 11 July 2007, at 12:35 p.m.

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