A BRIEF HISTORY:

 

The first neon sign was created by French engineer and inventor Georges Claude. Claude was the first person to apply an electrical discharge to a tube of neon gas, which became the first neon lamp. The first lamp was displayed in Paris in 1910. Neon was eventually brought to the US by Claude and his company in 1923, by selling two neon signs to Packard. It became a popular method for outdoor advertising, and people would call them "liquid fire".

 

Neon signs are versatile. They can be seen in virtually every major community, usually in a front window as signage. Today with renewed popularity, neon is being used in many innovative and creative ways including outdoor decorating, home decor, wall installations, decorative art, sculptures, etc.

 

ADVANTAGES OF NEON:

 

First, properly built and designed neon lights can last for years. The average light bulb has an operating life of six months to a year. In the right environment neon last ten to fifteen years and sometimes for decades. When they do fail, its usually due to electrical wiring deterioration.

 

Unlike traditional lighting that requires a standard electrical source, neon lights can be operated on a wide variety of voltages. This enables lighting designers to try more creative approaches to lighting by taking advantage of the flexibility in the types of structures and power sources utilized.

 

COSTS:

 

Neon lighting is not as expensive as you might think. It's a very efficient form of lighting. The average cost of electricity to run a neon sign for 24 hours a day is about 20 cents which is less than to run a 75-watt bulb. And the sign does not get hot so leaving it on is not a fire hazard.

 

Don't Unplug! You're better off leaving neon plugged in unless you are cleaning it. This is because turning the neon sign off and on all the time puts more wear and tear on the neon transformer. Left alone, a neon light can last a remarkably long time.

 

CLEANING:

 

The most important way to keep your neon in good shape is to keep it clean. When neon lighting is not kept clean, they eventually stop looking bright and welcoming becoming dingy and uninviting. Dust and grime really show when they're located on top of a brightly lit tube.

 

Before cleaning, make sure that you unplug it. It's easy to think of neon lighting as safe to handle because they don't get hot. However, they're still powered by a transformer that can give you an electric shock if you are not careful. To remove dust, use a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment then wipe down the tubes with a soft brush or cloth. "Don't Use Water'' to clean!

 

REPAIR SUGGESTION:

 

If your neon lighting seems to be malfunctioning, don't try to fix it yourself. Have a reputable sign repair company continue to light up your life!

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IN SUMMARY:

Low Energy Costs, Long Shelf Life, Easy to Maintain, Fun & Dynamic