FAQ's
What are the benefits of neon?
Neon gets attention! Not only is it highly nostalgic, but it has an eye appeal and unique spectral properties that incandescent lamps cannot offer. It comes in many colours and is flexible in design. Neon is affordable and power efficient, costing just cents a day to operate. For an affordable one time cost a neon sign will advertise your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for many years to come. Put the brightness and attention grabbing power of neon to work for you!
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 colours?
The initial colour source is the inert gas, which emits a characteristic colour 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 colours 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 colour temperatures from warm to cool. Tubing is also produced in coloured glass. Deep clear reds, blues, and greens for example produce the richly saturated colours referred to as Classic glass. Coloured glass may also have a fluorescent coating, which can change both the quality and colour of the light.
Is neon dangerous?
Neon and argon gas by themselves are not dangerous. They are inert gases that can be found in the air we breathe every day.
The minute mercury in neon signs is no more dangerous than what is presently housed within the run-of-the-mill fluorescent lights that have been lighting our businesses for many years.
How long does neon last?
Although Neon can last decades, the tubes come with a 2 year guarantee from our overseas manufacturer. However, in practical terms the expected life is between 5 to 10 years for a neon sign powered on 24 hours per day.
I hear a high pitched tone, what does this mean?
Your neon sign operates at a 20kHz radio frequency. A high pitched tone could be audible to some, and not to others. This is normal.
Where can I place my neon sign?
You should not, under any circumstance, place your neon sign outside. Outdoor placement is considered misuse of the product and would void the warranty. Your sign is constructed for indoor use only and can be placed virtually anywhere in your home. When determining where to place your sign, please keep these tips in mind:
In some instances, a neon sign can cause interference with radio equipment. If you are experiencing interference, try plugging your sign into a different outlet away from your television or radio. Try to avoid displaying your sign within the path of your remote controls. This will eliminate any possible interference with an infrared remote control. As with any electronic device, you should never operate your sign in or near water.
How do I clean my neon sign?
Be sure to always unplug your neon sign when handling. Next, use a feather duster or a very soft cloth to dust off your sign. Never use a cleaning solvent or water to clean your sign.
How long will my transformer last?
Your transformer is included with your sign such that you simply hang your sign up and plug it in. Transformers come with a 2 year guarantee from our overseas manufacturer but generally the transformer will last from 2 to 5 years. Some will fail earlier, and many will easily last 10 to 15 years. Things that affect transformer life are heat and electrical surges/consistency of your electrical supply.
Can I get a dimmer for my sign?
You may order your sign with a dimmable transformer. These transformers have a knob next to the on-off pull chain which allows you to adjust the brightness of the sign.
It is important that you do not use any other dimming device (such as a light dimmer you can buy at your hardware store) as it may damage your transformer, cause your sign to fail, and possibly create a fire hazard. Your neon sign requires special dimming circuitry (to limit the current but not the voltage - most commercial lamp dimmers simply limit the voltage), which is contained in these dimmable transformers.
How much does it cost to operate my neon sign?
Neon signs are extremely efficient. The reason they look so bright is because all of the output is focused within a small wavelength band of light. On average a neon open sign uses less than power than a 75 watt light bulb. Average cost to operate your neon sign is only about 20 cents per day (if you operate it 24 hours per day).
Do you ship to RD (Rural Delivery) areas?
No we do not but if you live at a RD address then please select an address of a friend or a local business that can accept the delivery for you.
Do you ship internationally?
We are unable to deliver our signs internationally due to the fragile nature of the product and also due to the power voltage and plug differences of each country. However, we can send the neon clocks to Australia.
Do you offer lay-by payment options?
Lay-by is sometimes available upon request but by acceptance only. The following conditions apply:-
* Minimum of 20% deposit.
* Minimum lay-by value is $200.00 which can be made up of more than one item.
* Weekly payments are required at a minimum amount of 20% per week of initial purchase price.
* Total lay-by term is 8 weeks (unless by alternative arrangement).
* A cancellation fee of $25.00 may apply (to cover the cost of storage, processing and any loss in retail value).