Neon lamps are widely used in many areas of lighting. They are distinguished by a bright and multi-colored luminous flux, as well as reliability and durability. Most often, with the help of such lamps, signs, advertising inscriptions, decor and architecture items are highlighted. Detailed information about such lamps is presented in our article.
Design and principle of operation
Discharge lamps are very similar to neon lamps. If neon is included in the composition of a gas-discharge light source, then it can be considered neon, but in fact it is not. Neon lamps have some distinctive features.
Neon lamps consist of a glass tube that is filled with a small volume of gas. The gas has a low pressure. Each of the neon atoms is covered with an electron shell, so that they do not come into contact with other atoms. To detach even one electron, the impact of powerful energy (at least 15,000 V) is necessary.
Electrodes are located at each end of the glass tube. Neon lamps can operate from various current sources, both variable and constant. However, when using the latter option, the glow will be formed only in the region of the electrodes.
The principle of operation of this lamp is as follows:
- Under the influence of an electric current, neon atoms lose their electrons and gain a charge with a plus sign.
- Then these atoms are concentrated near the negatively charged electrode.
- Free electrons, in turn, are sent to the electrode, which has a positive charge.
The result of this process is the formation of bright light. The neon light bulb, therefore, is used to illuminate not only buildings outside, but also in an apartment and a house, while being a worthy competitor to LED lighting. Do-it-yourself neon lighting is installed without any difficulty.
Advantages and disadvantages
Neon light sources have a lot of advantages. These include:
- a variety of dimensions and shapes of lamps;
- ease of connection and installation. Installation of neon lighting fixtures is carried out with a minimum amount of fittings and in a short time, due to which, often, a neon lamp is installed with your own hands;
- the ability to control brightness and consumption;
- the possibility of obtaining different colors;
- long period of operation (up to twenty years);
- fire safety. This advantage is due to the fact that neon light sources, due to their design, exclude the possibility of heating;
- silent operation.
Despite numerous advantages, neon lamps have some disadvantages:
- the composition of these lamps includes some harmful substances;
- light sources function only at high voltage in the network. Therefore, when using them, a powerful transformer is required;
- fragility (does not apply to neon ribbons). This is because all neon lamps are made of glass.
It can be concluded that such lighting fixtures have much more positive points than negative ones. But still, before purchasing a neon device, you should carefully analyze the above features.
Backlight Options
Neon bulbs are distinguished by their spectacular bright glow, which is created due to certain processes inside the device. The continuous movement of atoms leads to their collision, as a result of which they share energy with each other with a certain amount of heat.
In other words, the excitation of atoms is carried out, due to which the energy level increases. In the process of heat release, the electrode can be lowered to a lower level. At the last stage, the excess energy in the lamp is released in the form of a photon. This is how neon lighting is created.
Comparing these lamps with other types of lamps, it can be noted that the former are more durable. This circumstance is due to the absence of incandescent filaments in neon lamps, which cause electron emission. Instead, in these devices, emission is created using electrodes that do not heat up during their entire operation. Therefore, neon lighting devices have a second name - "cold cathode".
If neon is used as gas in the lamp, then the luminous flux will have an orange color with a reddish tint. In order to get a different color, use the following methods:
- use of another gas
For example, helium gives the light a pink tint, argon makes it blue, and krypton makes the light stream green. To obtain intermediate colors resort to mixing gases in various proportions. However, regardless of what inert gas is included in the composition of the lamp, all these devices are called "neon".
- application of phosphors
This method involves applying a variety of chemicals to the lamp.
Neon ribbon is a fairly popular variety of such lighting fixtures. It is also called flexible neon. This device is represented by an LED garland installed in a PVC tube.
The range of neon ribbons consists of multi-colored and plain products. The following advantages of flexible neon can be distinguished:
- protection against mechanical damage. So, for example, glass lamps have a risk of being broken, but tapes exclude such a possibility, so they can be used with full confidence in children's rooms;
- moisture resistance;
- the possibility of using RGB technologies;
- flexibility. Due to this property, the device becomes mobile and versatile, therefore, the neon strip is installed in various places both inside and outside the house;
- price.
If we compare flexible neon with LED strips, then the neon device is the most optimal.
Currently, neon strips are gaining popularity, thereby gradually replacing other lighting fixtures.
Scope of use
Neon light sources are in demand in various fields. They are indispensable in the organization of road and street lighting at night, outdoor advertising, for highlighting cars, as well as for highlighting various buildings and structures.
In the field of production, neon lamps have found their application in lighting warehouse, retail and office space. In addition, such a lighting device is used to illuminate the runway at airports. Neon lamps are widely used in electronic computers as an indication element.
When decorating the interior in a room, a neon lamp serves as a decorating element, as well as for arranging hidden lighting.
Installation and connection
Installation of neon lighting fixtures is extremely simple. It consists in installing lamp holders on the selected surface, where the bulbs themselves are then fixed.
Such devices are connected to the network through a resistor that performs the function of current limiting. Also, this device does not allow the conversion of a glow discharge into an arc. As a rule, such a resistor is already built into the base, and the lamp is connected immediately to the network. It is due to the simple installation and connection that the glow discharge lamp is very popular.
When installing neon light sources, certain requirements must be observed. First of all, it is forbidden to install the converter on metal surfaces. In this case, it is necessary to use a special gasket with a thickness of at least 1 cm, which is placed between the device body and the surface. The distance from the lamps to the surface should not be less than 4 cm.
When laying the cable, use remote holders that provide a distance of at least 3 cm from the metal surface. If the neon lamp is installed outdoors, you should take care of additional cable protection through the use of plastic corrugated hoses.
Neon lamps can create both romantic and festive atmosphere in your home. And if you want to equip the space near the house, you should pay attention to neon ribbons. They will not only provide bright and spectacular lighting, but will serve you for many years without requiring special maintenance.
Inside, gas-discharge neon lamps are filled with neon at low pressure, which emits an orange-red glow. Other inert gases may also be contained. So in three words you can explain the principle of operation of neon lamps.
The editors of the publication today reveal all the nuances of the work of neon lamps - from their characteristics and scope to quality control.
Where is the best place to use neon lamps?
- The principle of operation of a neon lamp
A neon lamp is a type of gas discharge lamp, only with a neon glow.
The main element of a neon lamp is a glass tube with a metal electrode at each end. They are connected to the base, and the lamp itself with the network through the cartridge. The neon lamp operates from a source of direct and alternating current.
They are selected by the mains voltage (127 - 220 V), by the voltage when an electric discharge occurs (60 - 550 V), by the allowable maximum current (from 0.2 - 30 Ma).
Neon lamp 220V BA9S EKF The service life of neon lamps is long - 100-1000 hours.
Neon lamps today are represented not only by light bulbs, but also by strips (flexible neon) 12 Volt - LED garland, sealed in a PVC tube. Ribbons are monotonous or multi-colored.
Neon lamps are characterized by durability and reliability. They are suitable for both home and apartment, and for lighting larger rooms. They are actively used in computers, as an element of indication or as a backlight - home or car, for outdoor advertising.
Scope of cold neon:
- car tuning;
- decorative interior lighting;
- production of illuminated letters, signboards, signatures;
- festive illumination;
- illumination of show-windows, buildings, bridges, theatrical posters;
- registration of casinos, night clubs, restaurants;
- landscape design.
Overview of neon lamps:
Connecting a neon lamp
Neon lamps remain relatively cold during operation, since they do not heat up more than 70-80 ° C.
Pros of neon lamps
- service life of 80,000 hours;
- catchy light effect;
- fire safety, since the device does not heat up;
- noiselessness of work;
- controlling the brightness of the gas lamp and selecting the desired shade of white light.
Cons of neon lamps
- fragility;
- the content of harmful substances;
- high voltage in the network and a high-voltage transformer are required;
- high price.
Each inert gas and metal vapor corresponds to an exceptional spectrum (composition) of light.
IMPORTANT! Various shades of glow are obtained by mixing inert gases or applying a phosphor to the surface of a discharge tube.
During connection:
- the transformer is selected according to the length of the lamp and the composition of the gas mixture, the secondary (output) voltage of the transformer is calculated from the tables;
- if there is no indication in the accompanying documents, electronic voltage converters are more suitable for enclosed spaces;
- grounding is mandatory when installing neon lamps on the street;
- select a high-voltage wire PMVC of the required section and length: the length of the wire should be minimal, PVC tubes are used to separate the wire from the metal parts of the structure;
- a neon lamp is installed in polycarbonate holders, according to the scheme indicated on the transformer, and the wire connections are insulated with tape and special tubes;
- all conductive parts of the structure must be grounded;
- since ordinary glass is used in the manufacture of neon lamps, it is necessary to use protective coatings made of plexiglass or polycarbonate;
- safety rules must be observed during installation: do not drop or shake the neon lamp - the structure must not be depressurized, otherwise the neon lamp will not burn;
- so that the glow is of a different color, mercury vapor and a phosphor are added inside.
| View | Average burning time | Operating current |
|---|---|---|
| TN- 0.2 | at least 220 hours | no more than 0.2 mA |
| TN- 0.3 | at least 220 hours | no more than 0.3 mA |
| TN- 0.5 | at least 300 hours | no more than 0.5 mA |
| TN- 0.9 | at least 300 hours | no more than 0.9 mA |
| TN-1 | at least 100 hours | no more than 1.0 mA |
| TN-20 | at least 1000 hours | no more than 20 mA |
| TN-30 | at least 1000 hours | no more than 30 mA |
The table shows glow-discharge gas-light lamps. They are used as light signals in radio and electrical devices.
IMPORTANT! In the designation of the type of lamp, the letter “T” directly means “smoldering” (type of discharge), the letter “H” - “neon” (name of the gas filler), the indicated numbers are the maximum operating current in milliamps.
The main characteristics of all neon lamps:
- outside diameter;
- linear length;
- chromaticity;
- color rendering index;
- luminous flux at a current of 50 mA and 80 mA;
- power consumption at a current of 50 mA and 80 mA;
- electrical length.
indicator lamps
fluorescent
Signal
decorative
The color of the glow in neon lamps depends entirely on the composition of the gas. Orange-red is most characteristic of indicator lamps.
IMPORTANT! Household candle lamp is suitable for antique decorative lamps.
A fluorescent lamp is a daylight electrical device mounted in specially designed fixtures. Minus - very often burn out.
Fluorescent lamp PHILIPS TL-D90 De Luxe Signal neon lamps - devices oriented for light indication of electrical signals. The design consists of two electrodes in the form of cylinders, disks or rods of various configurations, placed in a glass container. The pressurized tank contains a neon mixture, which gives a red glow, or a neon-hel mixture with an orange-red glow.
Neon lamp Camelion LH26-3U Blacklight E27 Decorative neon lamps are designed to be installed in a regular standard E14 or E27 cartridge and operate on 220 V. They contain a built-in ballast resistor, which makes it possible to connect them directly to the lighting network.
A green fluorescent lamp is used as a signal light source. Inside the glass flask is coated with a special fluorescent substance that absorbs red light and turns it into green.
Luminescent lamp T8 spec. – Narva 18W / T8 / 019 Small neon lamps are used as a backlight, along with an LED paired with a resistance element. As a rule, they are powered in parallel with the main contacts of the switch.
IMPORTANT! If the switch is in the off position, then the LED is powered by a filament inside the lamp with low resistance.
How to check the health of neon lamps?
Checking gas-light signal neon lamps consists in their visual inspection and testing under voltage.
You can also check the performance of a neon lamp by connecting it to a radio broadcasting network using a low-frequency transformer.
In the absence of networks - radio broadcasting and alternating current - you can check using batteries and a low-frequency transformer (power or between lamps).
The fluorescent lamp is started using ballasts (electromagnetic or electronic). In modern lamps, electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts) are more often used.
To test the lamp, a serviceable device with the same parameters is considered and connected in series according to the diagram to the lamp under test. If the lamp worked normally, then the cause of the malfunction is in the unit.
Features of different types of neon lamps
- Signal neon lamp
They are safety factors, correcting the operation of transport systems. Signal neon lamps also include indicator lamps, which are actively used in devices and equipment for various purposes, serve as a source of information about the functioning of the device.
- Fluorescent neon lamp
They are successfully used for lighting and irradiating school, children's, residential and administrative premises, especially if there is not enough natural light. Manufacturers produce special lamps focused on getting "sunbathing".
Advantages of fluorescent lamps:
- provide a lot of light;
- increase efficiency;
- preserve vision;
- reduce fatigue;
- affect the mood.
IMPORTANT! If the spirals of a fluorescent lamp are out of order, how to light the lamp? This can be done without a voltage multiplier according to the usual empra circuit.
- Decorative neon lamp
Widely used in the design of various interiors.
How to start and how does a blown fluorescent lamp work?
The production of LED light bulbs is not cheap. According to the optimal price / quality ratio, the undisputed leaders are Russia, China, Japan.
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220V BA9S EKF PROxima |
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Neon is a gas. Until the end of the 19th century, he calmly performed the honorable duty of being part of the earth's atmosphere. But then it was discovered by the English chemist William Ramsay. And the peaceful life came to an end. Resourceful engineers invented neon lamps, and in the 20s of the 20th century, neon advertising conquered the whole world.
true neon color
When we think of neon, we imagine the names of shops and restaurants glowing in different colors. In fact, neon glows with a bright, red-orange light. A rich range of colors is achieved by introducing mercury and sodium vapor into the gas lamps. In Las Vegas, the streets are brightly lit by curved gas pipes, calling tourists to play casino games or listen to Wayne Newton sing.
How is neon mined?
Neon is contained in the atmosphere, so maybe at this very moment, you breathe in a little bit of neon. Don't worry, there is so little neon in one liter of air that it won't be enough to fill a popcorn seed. To separate neon from air, the air has to be liquefied. Just as water changes from vapor to liquid when cooled, air changes to liquid when the temperature drops. Only with water this happens at 100 degrees Celsius, and with neon at minus 246 degrees Celsius - this is exactly the boiling point of neon. Liquid neon is separated from the other components of the air. When liquefied, neon is obtained in a mixture with nitrogen and helium.
Related materials:
Why aren't ozone holes filled "by hand"?
By raising the temperature and pressure of the mixture, chemists remove nitrogen from it. The helium is removed through a process called adsorption. In this case, gas molecules are deposited on solids. Neon molecules adhere better to the surface of activated carbon than helium molecules. This property is used to separate the mixture. To get one kilogram of neon, you need to process 88,000 kilograms of air.
If you pour cold liquid neon into a glass, you can see that it is transparent and colorless - in any case, there is not even a hint of a bright red color. Why, then, in advertising, neon glows brightly in different colors? Neon pumped into tubes is made up of billions and billions of atoms. Each neon atom has ten electrons in orbit around the nucleus. Both ends of the neon tube are connected to an electrical circuit.
When the current is turned on, it flows along the tube: the electrons jump from atom to atom, as they should when the current passes. Neon atoms get excited when they collide with electrons, just like a person who is roughly pushed in a crowd. The electrons in the neon atom are not prone to wandering, so after being excited, the atom calms down and the electron returns to its place. As a result, the atom emits a photon of light. The energy of these photons lies in the red part of the visible light spectrum.
The neon lamp is the most attractive and bright member of the lamp family in every sense. And to this day, the word "neon" refers to all lamps filled with inert gases - argon, neon and others.
What is a gas discharge lamp?
Discharge lamps are "relatives" of modern neon. And now the term "neon lamp" can be called gas discharge if it contains neon gas. But this is not entirely true, although these names are very close. The term "discharge lamp" refers to the inside of the tube, electric discharges flow between the spiral anode and cathode, which are located on both sides. Under the influence of a discharge, mercury vapor emits ultraviolet waves invisible to human eyes. With the help of a phosphor deposited on the inner surface, which consists of a mixture of different elements and phosphorus, ultraviolet radiation is transformed into visible light. The neon lamp is also gas-discharge, but with some features.
What is choke and starter?
The neon lamp 220 V gas-discharge works thanks to the EMPRA and the starter. EMPRA is a ballast electromagnetic device, which is "popularly" called a choke. The power of this device must correspond to the power of the lamps that are connected to it. The starter is a small device filled with an inert gas, with a pair of bimetallic normally open electrodes inside.
The difference in the principle of operation
The gas discharge lamp has a fairly simple principle of operation. When the power is turned on, a discharge occurs in a device such as a starter, the bimetallic electrodes are closed. After that, the current in the starter and electrode circuits is limited by the resistance of the electromagnetic ballast (choke). As a result, the operating current increases instantly several times, the electrodes heat up. At this point, the bimetallic contacts cool down and open the circuit. The inductor, using the phenomenon of self-induction, generates a high-voltage triggering pulse. It leads to a discharge in an inert gas environment, which ignites the lamp. After this process, the voltage on the lamp will be equal to half the voltage in the network. If the lamp shines normally, the starter contacts will be normally open and he will not take part in the operation of the device.
The neon lamp is a glow-discharge gas-lighting device. It consists of a cylinder made of glass, which is filled with neon under pressure. Inside it are two electrodes made of non-activated metal of different shapes. As you can see, the modern neon lamp is more versatile and reliable.
neon features
Unlike other lamps, neon lamps are much more durable, since they do not have incandescent filaments inside that would create electronic emission. A neon lamp requires more voltage, but it has a much lower current value (up to 75 milliamps). The electrodes that create the emission remain fairly cold. That is why the neon lamp is also called the "cold cathode". The physics of the process is based on the laws of bombardment of neutral gas atoms by charge carriers. Colliding, charged electrons push neutral atoms (inert particles) out of their orbit. This leads to the excitation of the atomic structure. This process is called ionization. During each collision, several light quanta are released. Since such collisions are very frequent (many times per second), a stable (for the human eye) glow is obtained. Inert gases have different color qualities. This allows you to create unusual photodynamic effects.
Application
Neon lamps, the price of which, depending on the size, manufacturer and shape, varies from a few tens of dollars to several hundred, have found their application in many areas. Without them, it is difficult to imagine the illumination of highways and city streets at night, outdoor illuminated advertising, lighting of buildings and structures. Lighting of warehouses, workshops, offices, enterprises, design of shopping malls are carried out with the help of neon. Often it is used not only in the form of additional / emergency lighting, but also for the main one.
Advantages
Neon lamp 220V has many advantages:
The light box can be made in any size, shape;
Connection and installation requires little fittings and time;
Simple and reliable electrical circuit, in comparison with gas-discharge;
Ability to control brightness and consumption;
You can get a different color due to different gases and phosphor (helium gives yellow, neon red, argon blue);
High service life - up to twenty years.
Mounting
Connecting a neon lamp is very simple. Lamp holders must be fixed on the surface. The lamp itself is inserted into them. An electronic converter or an electromagnetic transformer is connected to the middle of the load, according to the connection diagram. You can not turn them on a metal surface. There must be a dielectric between the converter and the surface (at least 1 cm).
It's interesting that neon lamp invented was literally piecemeal. First, a mysterious glow of inert gases was discovered, then a gas discharge tube was created, then scientists discovered neon, and a few years later the neon lamp itself was created. Let's talk about everything in order.
Who Invented the Neon Lamp?
Several scientists were involved in the invention of the neon lamp at once:
- In 1675, a French astronomer, Jean Picard, noticed a strange glow in the tube of a mercury barometer;
- In 1855, a German physicist, Heinrich Geisler, created a device that was later modified into a gas discharge tube;
- In 1898, two British inventors at once, Morris Travis and William Ramsey, discovered three gases, among which was neon;
- At the beginning of the 20th century, the number of these scientists was replenished by the French engineer Jean Claude, who became the inventor of the neon lamp.
He was a man who thought both as an engineer and as an entrepreneur. He was inspired to invent the neon lamp by the promising idea of supplying liquefied oxygen to medical clinics. To achieve high quality oxygen, he had to purify it from inert gases. After removing impurities from oxygen, Claude decided to find a use for them.
The experiments of other scientists with "luminous tubes" gave him the idea to conduct his own experiments. The engineer pumped argon and neon into tubes and passed an electrical charge through them. A glow appeared in the tubes - red from neon and blue from argon. Jean Claude was inspired by the result. Experiments with the purification of oxygen were forgotten, and Claude begins to work on the creation of a lamp.
Entrepreneurial instinct did not let him down. The unusually bright neon lighting he introduced in 1910 at the Paris Exhibition of Achievement was an incredible success. The engineer patented the invention, and in 1915 opened his own company - Claude Neon Lights. Since that time, everyone who wanted to use the idea of neon lighting had to pay a license. By the end of the 1920s, Claude Neon Lights was earning almost $10 million annually, and neon signs were becoming more and more popular.
Unfortunately, the popularity of neon lighting did not last forever. Gradually, it began to be replaced by modern LED lighting - ribbons and modules appeared. They are more economical, resistant to external damage and temperature, and can be used in a humid environment.
But neon signs can still be found in many cities around the world - the largest of them, consisting of 12 thousand lamps, is located in the American Las Vegas. The area of this giant sign is more than 6 kilometers.