Introduction
In our basic chemistry classes, we learned that neon is a noble, inert gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. However, neon’s significance extends beyond the periodic table. Neon gas has played a crucial role in the development of lighting technology, particularly in the creation of neon lighting. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of gas neon lighting, its various forms, and the factors that make it a popular choice over LED neon.
The invention of neon lighting
Neon lighting was invented by French engineer Georges Claude in 1910. Claude discovered that when an electric current is passed through a tube containing neon gas, it produces a bright, glowing light. This discovery led to the development of neon signs, which quickly gained popularity due to their vibrant colours and eye-catching appearance.
Gas neon lighting
Gas neon lighting is achieved by encasing neon gas within shaped glass tubes. The colour created by true neon gas is a vivid red-orange. However, other colours can be created through the use of added elements such as argon and mercury. The process of creating these colours involves mixing neon with the other gases, which alters the wavelength of light produced when an electric current is passed through the tube.
LED neon lighting
LED neon, on the other hand, uses perspex to create a similar effect. LED neon lights are made by bending perspex into the desired shape and attaching LED strips to the inside of the perspex. This method produces a similar effect to gas neon lighting, but with the added benefits of being more energy-efficient and easier to install.
Why choose gas neon over LED?
Despite the advancements in LED technology, gas neon lighting still maintains several advantages over its LED counterpart. These advantages include:
1. Durability: Gas neon lighting is known for its durability and long lifespan. The glass tubes used in gas neon lighting are less susceptible to damage and can withstand harsh weather conditions, for prolonged periods of time, making them the ideal choice for outdoor use.
2. Quality: Gas neon lighting is renowned for its high-quality workmanship and light/colour quality. The vibrant colours produced by gas neon lighting are unmatched by LED neon lights, making them a popular choice for interior designers, businesses and advertisements. A case in point is the range of lighting designs produced by Smithers.
3. Safety: Gas neon lighting is considered safer than LED neon lights due to the absence of toxic materials. LED neon lights contain phosphor, which can be hazardous if inhaled or ingested.
4. Price: While LED neon lights may be more energy-efficient and easier to install, gas neon lighting is often more cost-effective in the long run. The initial investment for gas neon lighting may be higher, but the quality, durability and longevity of the product make it a more economical choice over time.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the history of neon lighting is a fascinating tale of scientific discovery and innovation. From its invention by Georges Claude in the early 1900s to its continued use in modern times, neon lighting has left an indelible mark on the world of advertising, art and design. While LED neon lights offer a couple of advantages, gas neon lighting remains the popular choice for its durability, quality, safety and price. And it just looks more attractive than its LED cousin.
