It is undeniable that neon signs can capture people’s attention better than ordinary signs. They have high visibility, nighttime functionality, a wide operating range, and can be energy-efficient. The list of advantages of neon could go on. However, there are many reasons businesses choose not to have neon signs in their store. This article will enumerate the misconceptions people think about neon signs.
Here are some misconceptions about neon signs, cleared up.
Myth 1: Neon Sign Be Dangerous to One’s Health
Because of its color and unique detail, many people assume that neon signs contain toxic chemicals and gasses. However, this is not true. Neon signs contain two gasses: neon gas and argon gas. These gasses are also found in the air you breathe, so it is in no way toxic to the human body.
However, some argon tubes (used in neon signage) can contain traces of mercury vapor. But this same mercury is also found in the fluorescent lights you have at home. The mercury exposure you fear can only be harmful with prolonged exposure. Only if the bulbs or signs break should you worry about this.
If these are things about neon signage that you worry about, there is no need to get worried.
Myth 2: Neon Signs Can Be Harmful to the Environment
People also think that neon signs are not the best for the environment for the same reasons. Again, the neon gas poses no threat to the environment. It is a non-toxic element that does not cause ecological damage.
Furthermore, everything you see in a neon sign can be recycled. That includes the glass and even the gas inside.
One way it contributes to the environment is how it is energy-efficient, unlike other light sources. Most neon signs utilize less than 100 watts of illumination—slightly over the average lightbulb at home.
Myth 3: Neon Signs Can Give You Electrical Shocks When Touched
Indeed, old neon signs could shock someone, but that was long ago. Modern neon signs are created differently. Legal policies exist nowadays that require neon signs to have over-voltage protection and ground fault interruptions—now safe to touch and use. Your neon signs should follow these regulations to ensure compliance with the law.
Myth 4: LED Signage Is Way Better in All Aspects
LED signage is the go-to choice for people who want bright signs for their stores, but it is not as perfect as people think. An LED signage is made of thousands of tiny bulbs, but its brightness also has its limitations. If a bulb becomes defective or fails, the sign might lose some brightness. A not-so-bright LED sign might require a complete replacement.
The advantage of neon signs is that they can be viewed at any angle and still produce beautiful signs in flexible shapes and various colors.
Conclusion
Neon signs have been a useful tool in businesses for many years now. Its many advantages are often clouded by these myths. Neon signs are great investments you can customize, set up easily, and do not waste much energy.
Should you need neon signs at Birmingham, AL, we can produce them for you. Reliable Signs Service is a full-service sign manufacturing company that can design, fabricate, install, and service your signage in the most effective and cost-efficient way. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.