Strictly Neon

What does UL mean?

Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) is a nationally recognized, nonprofit safety-testing agency for the US. UL is also affiliated with the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (CUL).

The National Electrical Code, as well as laws in the majority of states, requires that electrical wiring and fixtures be tested by a recognized, independent safety-testing agency before they can be legally sold and installed.

All UL Listed signs and outline lighting which incorporate electric discharge tubing are required to use neon transformers and power supplies that comply with UL 2161, the Standard for Neon Transformers and Power Supplies. UL 2161 includes requirements for secondary ground fault protection (SGFP).

How do you get the c o l o r s?

The initial color source is the inert gas which emits a characteristic color when electricity is applied. The two most common gases are neon which emits a fiery red, and a mixture of argon and minute particles of mercury which emits a subdued blue. Clear glass allows you to see the characteristic colors emitted by the gas. Fluorescent powders may be painted or baked to the inside walls of the glass tubing and the source light is then converted into a multitude of shades such as pink, turquoise , and green. By altering the mixture of elements, subtle differences are possible. For example, white is available in a wide array of color temperatures from warm to cool. Tubing is also produced in colored glass. Deep clear reds, blues, and greens for example produce the richly saturated colors referred to as exotic or Euro glass. Colored glass may also have a fluorescent coating, which can change both the quality and color of the light.

Can neon be used with three-dimensional shapes such as a globe?

Yes. Very interesting effects can be achieved because the light tends to fill the object with varied coloration and depending on the power supply, it can respond to touch. This is however an advanced technique.

How do they make neon appear to move?

The huge animated neon signs or "spectaculars" of the 1940s have multiple layers of neon each powered in a timed sequence to produce the desired effect. Many other forms of movement have been found in the neon tube itself. "Wiggle tubes", "Crackle tubes", "Jelly beans", and "Whirlygigs" are a few.

How do you bend the glass?

The glass is rotated and rocked (rocked and rolled) in burner flames, which use a gas and air mixture to raise the flame temperature. Generally four burners are used. Crossfire and fishtail burners produce most angled bends and splices. Ribbon burners produce curves or sweeps. Hand torches are usually used for splices or tapering and tipping off electrodes.

How does a neon tube produce light?

Electrical current bombard the inert gas atoms with electrons knocking neon's atoms out of their orbits. The electrons collide with other free electrons sending them back toward the atoms. As the electrons are absorbed into the atom, energy is given off as light.

How do you get the gas into the tube?

Neon tubes are capped off by two glass electrodes, which have wire passing from outside to inside. One of these electrodes has a tabulation, a small tube which remains as a passage from outside to inside. The tabulation is sealed to the pumping system or manifold. The manifold has glass stopcocks or valves that allow sections to be selectively opened or closed. An ultra high vacuum pump pulls the air out of the tube while a high voltage-high amperage transformer bombards and heats the remaining air to produce temperatures in excess of 500 degrees F. This allows the tube to achieve a higher degree of purity. When a very high vacuum is reached and the tube begins to cool, a small amount of inert gas is introduced from a flask or tank. The tabulation is then heated and as it is pulled it sucks in to make the tubes own seal.

Can neon be used with three-dimensional shapes such as a globe?

For most applications (signs, designs, etc.) neon is bent over a fire resistant pattern. Artistically expressive work is often freehand. Three-dimensional work from engineer drawings or a dimensional template is very challenging but can be done.

Can a neon sign be fixed once it has broken?

Most of the time neon signs can be repaired. Most neon signs are made up of several neon sections called units. If one of the units is broken, it may be possible to either repair the unit or make the unit over with new glass and new ends called electrodes. Repairs are made by heating a new piece of glass and melting it to the original piece of glass. Once the unit has been fixed, the unit is then refilled with gas. The neon tube bender may elect to make the unit new. If a neon sign has too many breaks in it then it may not be cost effective to repair it.

How long does neon last?

Neon can last decades In practical terms the expected life span is between 8 to 15 years. Neon can be repaired and recharged.

Why are neon signs costly?

Actually, neon signs are the best form of signage around today. Nothing has the brightness of neon. The initial cost may appear steep however you will have little or no maintenance on the sign nor will you have to change light bulbs on a regular basis. The cost of running the neon sign is low as well. You can run a neon sign for pennies a day in most situations.

Strictly Neon
4608 West 137th Street
Crestwood, IL 60445
PHONE: (708) 597-1616
FAX: (708) 597-8638

E-mail: StrictlyNeon@core.com