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 7 MYTHS of NEON

1. NEON SIGNS CONSUME A LOT OF ENERGY
 
       Typically, pre-1990 neon signs used an inefficient power transformer.  The past thirteen years, Everbrite has designed and manufactured our own patented “Evertron” Electronic Neon Power Supply that is highly reliable, weighs a fraction of typical transformers and is very energy efficient.

2. NEON SIGNS CONTAIN HARMFUL GASES

        Neon and argon gases are actually inert gases that can be found in the air we breathe everyday.  In fact, neon and argon gas used in neon signs are fractionally distilled from that very same air.

3. NEON SIGNS CONTAIN A LOT OF MERCURY

       The mercury in neon signs is no more dangerous than what is presently housed within the run-of-the-mill fluorescent lights that have been lighting our businesses for many years.

4. NEON SIGNS POSE SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARDS

        In late 90’s, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) instituted a policy called  UL2161.  This policy requires that all neon sign power supplies use safety features such as ground fault interruption and over voltage protection.  Everbrite’s own “Evertron” Neon Power Supplies have utilized these safety features for over the past thirteen years.

5. LARGE NUMBERS OF NEON SIGNS ARE BROKEN IN STORE WINDOWS EACH YEAR

         Throughout Everbrite’s 75+ years of history, all of our manufacturing facilities have instituted a process referred to as “annealing” with our neon signs.  It is a process that dramatically reduces the stress in the glass caused by heating, bending and shaping of the glass.

6. NEON SIGNS ARE BIG AND BULKY

       The average weight of older power transformers that were utilized in the pre-1990’s weighed approximately 18 pounds or more depending on the application.  The average weight of the “Evertron” Neon Power Supply is 1.5 pounds.  This allows for easier placement in terms of handing materials and product accessibility.

7. NEON SIGNS HAVE AN EXPECTED LIFE SPAN OF 20,000 TO 30,000 HOURS

        Internal testing conducted at the Everbrite Technology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin have concluded that the life expectancy of an Everbrite neon sign that uses an “Evertron” Electronic Power Supply and is powered on for 24 hours per day has a life expectancy of more than 10 years (80,000+ hours).  Most businesses are not open for 24 hours, so it can be expected that their neon signs will far exceed the projected 10 year life span.

A neon sign is a very simple device.  It consists of a vacuum-tight glass tube, fitted at each end with an electrode.  Inside the tube is a small amount of rare gas.  Connected to the electrodes is a source of high-voltage electrical power.  When the current is turned on, the tube glows with a steady piercing light.

THE DIFFERENT GASES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. 

The rare gases, neon, argon, helium, xenon and krypton, are ideally suited for use in signs.  The two most common gases used in neon signs are neon and argon.  While neon is very bright, argon’s light is weak due to its low resistance.

NEON GAS 

Neon gas gives off a red glow.  This gas is normally contained in tubing that is clear in color and when illuminated, projects the brightest red color.

ARGON GAS 

Almost everything else is filled with argon gas.  When you see yellow, blue, green, white or any of several other shades, these tubes are filled with argon gas.

GLASS TUBING AND ELECTRODES / TUBING DIAMETERS OR SIZE

Neon tubing comes in various diameters depending upon the application.  The tube diameter or size is calculated in millimeters and typically runs from 8-11 mm for use in indoor signs and 12-13 mm in diameter for use in large indoor neon signs or outdoor signs and channel letters.

Smaller neon tube diameters are easier to bend into written words but are not as distinguishable from a distance.  Larger tube diameters are more visible from a distance and are more effective in illuminating store front letters but cannot be practically formed into smaller written applications.  Larger diameter neon tubing is less brilliant.

COLORS AND COATINGS

Neon tubing can be created in many different colors, through the use of argon gas and the various internal phosphor coatings on the glass itself.  The coatings in the tube appear to be white when non-illuminated.  They become other colors once the tube is illuminated and the phosphors become excited.  More expensive pigmented glass tubing can be purchased in order to achieve a richer color, such as Novial Gold or Ruby Red and a few others.

ELECTODES 

Every neon tube has two electrodes attached to it, one at each end of the tube.  The electrical current enters the tube through the electrode which is comprised of a small metal thimble-like cup.  The electrode is “welded” to the neon tube.

The two wires off the electrode are connected to the GTO cables leading from the transformer.  This is a high voltage connection and is covered by rubber insulative sleeves to ensure the user is not shocked.

PK HOUSINGS OR HAGE CONNECTORS 

On outdoor signs and channel letters, the GTO cable is not attached directly to the glass.  Instead it makes contact with the glass through the use of either PK Housings or Hage Connectors.