Replacing neon with LED: a new life for signs!

The replacement of neon with LED is an operation that allows for the replacement of cold cathode neon tubes that make up a sign with the more modern outdoor LED neon. In this way, it is possible to keep the original design of the installation unchanged while achieving all the typical benefits of LED neon. A true upgrade that brings concrete technical advantages and immediately appreciable energy savings. Download the brochure now to get all the information! Neon Replacement with LED, why? Converting a cold cathode neon tube sign into a completely LED sign is advantageous in several aspects. Let's see the main ones below. Low Voltage Power Supply Traditional neon lights require high-voltage transformers for their operation, creating a potential difference sufficient to ionize the gas in the tube. We are talking about voltages that reach the order of thousands of volts (up to 10,000 V in Europe). It is clear that voltages of such magnitude can pose a safety problem, such as the risk of fire, especially in the absence of specific and periodic maintenance. There is also specific legislation that must be strictly followed in the case of installations with neon tubes. In contrast, LED neon operates at low voltage: specifically at a voltage of 24V in direct current. A very safe value and consequently regulated much more agilely. Furthermore, the 24VDC power supply allows the execution of very long LED neon lines with minimal voltage drop. Efficiency One of the fundamental arguments in favor of LED neon over cold cathode neon tubes is energy efficiency: considering a given unit of length, LED neon has a higher luminous output, with an energy consumption of about 1/6 compared to neon tubes. We are talking about energy savings that can cut consumption by more than 85%, with a potential annual cost savings of thousands of euros. Longevity Traditional neon tubes, due to their composition of glass, are very fragile, especially in outdoor exposure where heavy precipitation, wind, hail, or temperature fluctuations can lead to tube breakage. Finding spare parts for neon installations is increasingly difficult, and the transport of long glass tubes can be an additional critical element in the supply. The LED neon recommended for 1-to-1 outdoor replacements is made of plastic, resistant to UV rays, weather, and all types of temperature fluctuations. It can be easily transported in coils, and in case of failure, only a single segment needs to be replaced instead of the entire installation. The warranty on outdoor LED neon is 5 years, but the product's life expectancy exceeds 10 years without maintenance. Versatility in Installation and Processing Unlike blown neon, LED neon does not require advanced expertise or special tools to be worked with: it adapts to every type of project, can be cut every 10cm, and has all the electrical connections already prepared. Installation is easy and intuitive, and numerous dedicated accessories ensure intuitive, easy, and safe assembly. The Neon Sign of the Future We have seen the main advantages of LED neon over traditional neon for the creation and upgrade of a neon sign, but exactly, what product is advisable to use? Let's start with the premise that not all LED neon lights are the same! In fact, many products that are often sold as "for outdoor use" just because they have an IP67 protection rating are actually totally unsuitable for outdoor applications. It is true that waterproofing is a fundamental requirement, but so is resistance to UV rays and temperature fluctuations. Waterproofing itself is only valid until the moment the LED neon is cut, and assuming that all electrical connections are perfectly insulated. The right product must therefore be prepared for cutting, resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress, and the manufacturer must make all the products and accessories available to the sign maker to allow for a professional installation. Verbax recommends Tetra Contour Flex: an LED neon designed for 1-to-1 replacements of outdoor neon signs, with extraordinary technical features, a 5-year warranty, and unparalleled energy efficiency. Tetra Contour Flex: The LED Neon for Outdoor Use Tetra Contour Flex is undoubtedly the most suitable product to replace old cold cathode neon tube systems. For more information on the product and to see the Verbax test in which the annual savings from LED neon for a given sign are calculated, we invite you to download the brochure.