Neon lamps are widely distributed in many areas of lighting. They are distinguished by a bright and multi-colored light stream, 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 work
Gas discharge lamps are very similar to neon. If neon is in the composition of the gas-discharge source of the light, then it can be considered neon, but not really. Luminaires with neon possess some distinctive features.
Neon lamps consist of a glass tube, which is filled with a small amount of gas. At the same time, gas has low pressure. Each of the neon atoms are coated with an electronic shell, so that they are not in contact with other atoms. For the separation of even one electron, the effect of powerful energy is necessary (at least 15,000 V).
At each end of the glass tube there are electrodes. Nonone lamps can function from various current sources, both variables and constant. However, when using the last option, the glow will be formed only in the area of \u200b\u200bthe electrodes.
The principle of operation of this luminaire is as follows:
- Under the influence of electrical current, neon atoms lose their electrons and get a charge with a plus sign.
- These atoms then are concentrated near a 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 is thus used to illuminate not only buildings outside, but also in the apartment and the house, while being a worthy competitor to LED lighting. Neon backlight is installed with your own hands without any difficulty.
Advantages and disadvantages
Neon light sources are characterized by plenty of advantage. These include:
- variety of dimensions and forms of lamps;
- easy connection and installation. Installation of neon lighting devices is carried out with a minimum number of fittings and in a short time, due to which it is often installed neon lamp with their 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 eliminate the possibility of heating;
- silent work.
Despite numerous advantages, neon lamps have some drawbacks:
- these lamps include some harmful substances;
- sources of light function only with high voltage on the network. Therefore, when their use requires a powerful transformer;
- fragility (not belong to neon tapes). This is caused by the fact that all lamps with neon are made of glass.
It can be concluded that these lighting instruments have positive moments much more than negative. But still, before purchasing a neon device, it is necessary to carefully analyze the above features.
Backlight options
Neon light bulbs are distinguished by their spectacular bright glow, which is created at the expense of certain processes inside the device. The continuous movement of atoms leads to their collision, as a result of which they are divided with each other with a certain amount of heat.
In other words, the excitation of atoms is carried out, thereby increasing the energy level. In the process of heat release, it is possible to descend the electrode to the level below. At the last stage, the excess energy in the lamp in the form of a photon takes place. This creates neon lighting.
Comparing these lamps with other types of lamps, it can be noted that the first is more durable. This circumstance is associated with the absence of incandescent threads in neon lamps causing electronic emissions. Instead, in these devices, the emission is created using electrodes that are not heated throughout their work. Therefore, neon lighting devices have the second name - the cold cathode.
If neon is used in the lamp as a gas, then the light stream will have an orange color with a reddish tint. In order to get another color, the following methods are used:
- use of another gas
So, for example, helium gives lighting a pink shade, argon - blue, and Kripton will make the light stream green. To obtain intermediate colors, gases are resorted to mixing in various proportions. However, regardless of which inert gas is included in the lamp, all these devices are called Neon.
- application of phosphors
This method involves applying a variety of chemicals on a lamp.
Neon tape is a rather popular species of such lighting devices. She is also called flexible neon. This device is represented by the LED garland installed in the PVC tube.
The assortment of neon tapes consists of multicolored and monophonic products. The following advantages of flexible neon can be distinguished:
- protection against mechanical damage. For example, glass lamps have the risk of being broken, tapes exclude such an opportunity, so they can be used in children's rooms with complete confidence;
- resistance to moisture;
- the possibility of using RGB technologies;
- flexibility. Due to this property, the device becomes mobile and universal, therefore, the installation of neon tape is carried out in various places both inside and outside the house;
- cost.
If you compare flexible neon with LED ribbons, the most optimal is the neon device.
Currently, neon tapes are gaining popularity, thereby gradually replacing the remaining lighting devices.
Area of \u200b\u200buse
Neon light sources are in demand in various spheres. They are indispensable in the organization of lighting roads and streets at night, outdoor advertising, for highlighting cars, as well as when highlighting various buildings and structures.
In the field of production, neon lamps found their use when illuminating warehouse, commercial and office premises. In addition, such a lighting device is used to illuminate the runway at airports. The use of neon lamps in electronic computing machines as an indication element is widely.
When making an interior in the room, the neon lamp serves as a decorating element, as well as to arrange hidden illumination.
Installation and Connection
Installation of neon lighting devices is extremely simple. It is installed on the selected surface of the holders for lamps, where the light bulbs are then fixed.
Such devices are connected to the resistor, which performs the current limitation function. Also, this device does not allow the transformation of the glow discharge in the arc. As a rule, this resistor is already built into the base, and the lamp is included immediately to the network. It is at the expense of a simple installation and connecting a lamp of the glow discharge is very popular.
By installing neon light sources, specific requirements should be followed. 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 body of the device and the surface. Distance from lamps to the surface should not be less than 4 cm.
When paving the cable, remote holders should be used, providing remoteness of at least 3 cm from the metal surface. If the neon lamp is installed on the street, you should take care of the additional protection of the cable by using plastic corrugations.
Luminaires with neon are able to create in your home both romantic and festive atmosphere. And if you want to equip space near the house, you should pay attention to neon tapes. They will not only provide bright and spectacular lighting, but will also serve you for many years, while not needing special service.
Inside, gas-discharge neon lamps are filled with low pressure neon, which radiates orange-red glow. Content can be other inert gases. So in three words you can explain the principle of operation of neon lamps.
Editors of the publication today reveal all the nuances of neon lamps - from their characteristics and scope to high-quality verification.
Where is it better to use neon lamps?
- The principle of the neon lamp
Neon lamp - a variety of gas-discharge, only with neon glow.
The main element of the neon lamp is a glass tube having a metal electrode at each end. They are connected to the basement, and the lamp itself with the network through the cartridge. The neon lamp is functioning from the DC and AC source.
They are selected by the voltage of the network (127 - 220 V), by voltage when the electrical discharge (60 - 550 V) occurs, according to the allowable highest current (from 0.2 - 30 mA).
Neon 220V BA9S EKF lamp The duration of the service of neon lamps is large - 100-1000 hours.
Neon lamps today are represented not only by light bulbs, but also ribbons (neon flexible) 12 volts - LED garland, sealed in PVC tube. Tapes are monotonous or multi-colored.
Neon lamps are characterized by durability and reliability. They are also suitable for both the apartment, and for the lighting of larger rooms. Actively apply to computer as an element of an indication or in the form of a backlight - home or automotive, for outdoor advertising.
Scope of cold neon:
- tuning machines;
- decorative lighting of interiors;
- making light letters, signage, signatures;
- festive illumination;
- backlight showcases, buildings, bridges, theater posters;
- casino decoration, nightclubs, restaurants;
- landscaping design.
Review of neon lamps:
Connecting neon lamp
Neon lamps remain relatively cold during operation, since they are not heated more than 70-80 ° C.
Pluses of neon lamps
- service life from 80,000 hours;
- catchy light effect;
- fire safety, since the device does not heat up;
- silent work;
- the brightness control of the transmission lamp and the choice of the desired shade of white glow.
Minuses of neon lamps
- fragility;
- the content of harmful substances;
- it is necessary high voltage in the network and high-voltage transformer;
- high price.
Each inert gas and metal pairs corresponds to an exceptional spectrum (composition) of light.
IMPORTANT! Various shades of the glow are obtained by mixing inert gases or apply phosphors to the surface of the discharge tube.
During the connection process:
- the transformer is selected along the length of the lamp and the composition of the gas mixture, the secondary (output) voltage of the transformer is calculated by the tables;
- if there is no indication in the accompanying documents, electronic voltage converters are suitable for closed rooms;
- be sure to ground when installing neon lamps on the street;
- pick up the high-voltage wire of the PMW required section and length: the length of the wire must be minimal, PVC tubes are used to separate the wires from metal parts of the structure;
- the neon lamp is installed in polycarbonate holders, according to the scheme specified on the transformer, and the connection location with wire is isolated with ribbon and special tubes;
- all conductive parts of the design must be grounded;
- since typical glass is used in the manufacture of neon lamps, protective coatings from plexiglas or polycarbonate must be applied;
- it is necessary to observe the safety rules when installing: do not drop and not shake the neon lamp - the design should not be deposited, otherwise the neon lamp will not burn;
- in order for the glow to be different colors, mercury and phosphor pairs add inside.
| View | The average duration of burning | Working current |
|---|---|---|
| Tn- 0,2 | not less than 220 hours | no more than 0.2 ma |
| TN-0,3. | not less than 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 | not 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 | not more than 30 mA |
The table shows the lamps of a gas-driving discharge. They are used as light signals in radiotechnical and electrical devices.
IMPORTANT! In the designation of the lamp type, the letter "T" means "smoldering" (view of the discharge), the letter "H" is "neon" (the name of the gas filler), these numbers - MAX operating current in milliamperes.
The main characteristics of all neon lamps:
- outside diameter;
- linear length;
- chroma;
- color reproduction index;
- light flow at a current of 50 mA and 80 mA;
- power consumption at a current of 50 mA and 80 mA;
- electric length.
Indicator lamps
Luminescent
Signal
Decorative
The color of the glow in neon lamps is completely dependent on the composition of the gas. Orange-red is most characteristic of indicator lamps.
IMPORTANT! Household candle lamps suitable for decorative lamps "Under the Starin".
Fluorescent lamp - fluid lighting electrical appliance, mounted in specially designed lamps. Minus - very often burn out.
Fluorescent Philips TL-D90 De Luxe Lamp Signal neon lamps - devices targeted for light indication of electrical signals. In the design - two electrodes in the form of cylinders, disks or rods of various configurations placed in a glass cylinder. The cylinder under pressure contains an neon mixture, which gives a red glow, or neon-helium mixture with 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 220 V. functioning from voltage contain a built-in ballast resistor, which provides the ability to include them directly into the lighting network.
A green fluorescent lamp is used as a light source light source. From the inside the glass flask is covered with a special fluorescent substance, which absorbs the red light and turns it into green.
Fluorescent T8 Lamp Specials. - Narva 18W / T8 / 019 Small neon lamps are used as the backlight, together with the LED paired with the element of the resistance. As a rule, they are powered in parallel with the main contacts of the switch.
IMPORTANT! If the switch is in a non-working position, then the power of the LED occurs on the filament of the heat inside the lamp with a low resistance.
How to check the health of neon lamps?
Checking gas-drive signal neon lamps is their visual inspection and voltage test.
Check the performance of the neon lamp can also be included in the radio broadcast network by means of a low frequency transformer.
In the absence of networks - radio broadcast and AC - can be checked using batteries and a low frequency transformer (power or interlempic).
The fluorescent lamp is started using a start-adjusting equipment (electromagnetic or electronic). In modern lamps, the EPR (electronic flow-adjusting equipment) is used more often.
To check the lamp, a serviceable device is considered with the same parameters and is connected sequentially according to the diagram to the lamp checked. If the lamp earned normally, then the cause of the malfunction in the block.
Features of different types of neon lamps
- Signal neon lamp
Are safety factors by adjusting the operation of transport systems. Signal neon lamps include indicator, used actively in devices and equipment for various purposes, serve as a source of information on the functioning of the device.
- Luminescent neon lamp
It is used successfully for lighting and irradiation of school, children's, residential and administrative premises, especially if natural lighting is not enough. Manufacturers produce special lamps focused on obtaining "solar baths".
Advantages of fluorescent lamps:
- provide a lot of light;
- improving performance;
- retain vision;
- reduce fatigue;
- affect the improvement of mood.
IMPORTANT! If a luminescent lamp has gotten spirals, how to light the lamp? This can be done without a voltage multiplier by the usual Empra scheme.
- Decorative neon lamp
It is widely used in the design of various interiors.
How to run and how does the overwreed daylight lamp work?
Production of LED light bulbs is not cheap. According to the optimal price / quality ratio, unconditional leaders - Russia, China, Japan.
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220V BA9S EKF Proxima |
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Neon is gas. Until the end of the 19th century, he calmly performed a credibility to be part of the earth's atmosphere. But here it was opened by the English chemist William Ramzai. And a calm life came the end. Resourceful engineers invented neon lamps, and in 20 years 20th century neon advertising conquered the whole world.
The real color of neo
When we think about Neon, we present our names of shops and restaurants that are burning different colors. At the very present, neon glows bright, red - orange light. The rich gamma of flowers is achieved by the introduction of mercury and sodium vapor lamps. In Las Vegas, the streets are brightly lit by curved gas pipes that invite tourists to play casinos or listen to the singing Wayne Newton.
How to get neon?
Neon is contained in the atmosphere, so it can at this moment, you breathe a little - a little neon. Do not worry, in one liter of neon air so little that it is not enough to fill the grains of aerial corn. To separate the neon from the air, the air has to lunch. Just like water, when it moves from a vapor state when cooling, the air is converted into a liquid with a decrease in temperature. Only with water it happens at 100 degrees Celsius, and with neon for minus 246 degrees Celsius - just such as the boiling point of neon. Liquid neon is separated from other components of air. With a liquefaction, neon is obtained in a mixture with nitrogen and helium.
Materials on the topic:
Why do not fill ozone holes "manually"?
Raising the temperature and pressure of the mixture, chemists are removed from it nitrogen. Helium is removed using a process called adsorption. In this case, the gases molecules are precipitated on solids. Neon molecules are better to stick 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 a cold liquid neon into a glass, you can see that it is transparent and colorless - in any case, there is no hint on the bright red color. Why then in advertising neon brightly glows with different colors? The neon loaded in the tube consists of billions and billion atoms. Each neo atom has in orbit around the kernel of ten electrons. Both ends of the neon tube are connected to the electrical circuit.
When the current is turned on, it passes along the tube: the electrons are retelling from an atom to an atom, as it be laid when the current is passed. Neon's atoms are excited when a collision with electrons just as a person who is rudely pushed into a crowd. The electrons in the neon atom are not prone to vagrancy, therefore, after the excitation, the atom calms down and the electron returns to his place. As a result, the atom emits photon light. The energy of these photons lies in the red part of the visible light spectrum.
Neon lamp is the most attractive and bright representative of the family of lamps in all senses. And to today, the word "neon" is called all lamps refilled by inert gases - argon, neon and others.
What is a gas-discharge lamp?
Gas discharge lamps - "relatives" of modern neon. And now the term "neon lamp" can be called gas-discharge, if there is neon gas in it. But this is not quite so, although these names are very close. The term "gas-discharge lamp" is called inside the tube there are electrical discharges between the spiral anode and the cathode, which are located on both sides. Under the influence of the discharge, the mercury pair emit ultraviolet waves, invisible to human eye. With the help of a luminophore applied to the inner surface, which consists of a mixture of different elements and phosphorus, ultraviolet radiation is transformed into visible light. Neon lamp is also gas-discharge, but with some features.
What is choke and starter?
Neon lamp 220 in gas-discharge works due to EMPRA and starter. Empra is a start-up electromagnetic apparatus, which "in the people" refers to the 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 inert gas with a pair of bimetallic normally open electrodes inside.
Difference in principle
The gas-discharge lamp has a pretty simple principle of work. During power on the power supply in such a device, as a starter arises, bimetallic electrodes are closed. After that, the current in the chain of the starter and the electrodes is limited by the resistance of the flow-regulating electromagnetic device (choke). As a result, the operating current increases instantly several times, the electrodes are warmed up. At this point, bimetallic contacts cooled and open the chain. The throttle using self-induction phenomenon forms a high-voltage trigger pulse. It leads to a discharge in an inert gas medium that lights the lamp. After this process, the voltage on the lamp will be half of the voltage on the network. If the lamp shines normally, the starter contacts will be opened normally and it will not take part in the device.
Neon lamp is a gas transmission discharge. It consists of a cylinder made of glass, which is filled with neon pressure. Inside it is two electrodes from non-activated metal of different shapes. As you can see, the modern neon lamp is more versatile and reliable.
Features of neo
Unlike other lamps, neon is much more durable, as there are no incandescent threads in them, which would create electronic emissions. Neon lamp requires more voltage, but at the same time has a significantly less current value (up to 75 milliam per). Electrodes that create emissions remain fairly cold. That is why the neon lamp is still called the "Cold Cathode". The physics of the process is based on the laws of the bombardment of neutral gas atoms by charge carriers. Following the charged electrons pushed neutral atoms (inert particles) with their orbitals. This leads to the excitation of an atomic structure. This process is called ionization. During each collision, several light quanta stand out. Since such collisions are very frequent (many times in a second), it turns out a stable (for a human look) glow. Inert gases have different color qualities. This allows you to create photodynamic unusual effects.
Application
Neon lamps, the price of which, depending on the size, manufacturer and forms, varies from several dozen dollars to several hundred, found their use in many areas. Without them, it is difficult to imagine lighting of motorways and urban streets at night, outdoor light advertising, lighting of buildings and structures. Lighting of warehouses, shops, offices, enterprises, the design of trading complexes are carried out using neon. It is often used not only in the form of additional / emergency lighting, but also for the main one.
Benefits
The neon lamp 220V has many advantages:
Light box can be made any size, shape;
Connection and installation requires little accessories and time;
Simple and reliable electrical circuit, in comparison with gas discharge;
The ability to manage brightness and consumption;
You can get different color thanks to different gases and luminophore (helium gives yellow, neon- red, argon - blue);
High service life - up to twenty years.
Installation
Connecting the neon lamp is very simple. On the surface it is necessary to fasten the lamp holders. The lamp itself is inserted into them. The electronic converter or electromagnetic transformer is connected to the middle of the load, according to the connection scheme. It is impossible to include them on the metal surface. There should be a dielectric between the converter and the surface (not less than 1 cm).
I wonder what neon lamp invented It was literally in parts. At first, a mysterious glow of inert gases was discovered, then created a gas-discharge tube, then scientists opened neon, and after a few years the neon lamp was created. Let's tell about everything in order.
Who became the inventor of the neon lamp?
For the invention of the neon lamp, several scientists were often involved:
- In 1675, an astronomer from France, Jean Picar, was observed a strange glow in a barometer tube operating in mercury;
- In 1855, the German physicist, Heinrich Gacel, created a device that was later modified into a gas-discharge tube;
- In 1898, two British inventors, Morris Travis and William Ramzi, opened three gas, among whom was neon;
- At the beginning of the 20th century, the number of these scientists replenished the French engineer Jean Claud, which became inventor neon lamp.
It was a person thinking both as an engineer, and as an entrepreneur. The invention of the neon lamp pushed it a promising idea of \u200b\u200bsupplying liquefied oxygen into medical clinics. To achieve high quality oxygen, he had to clean it from inert gases. After removing impurities from oxygen, Claude decided to find them.
Experiments of other scientists with "luminous tubes" pushed him into thoughts to hold their own experiments. The engineer quit argon and neon in the tube, and missed the electrical charge through them. In the tubes there was a glow - red from neon and blue from Argon. Jean Claud was inspired by the result. Experiments with oxygen cleansing were forgotten, and Claude begins to work on creating a lamp.
Entrepreneurial flair did not let him down. Unusually bright neon lighting, represented by him in 1910 at the Paris exhibition of achievements, had an incredible success. The engineer patented the invention, and in 1915 opened his own company - Claude Neon Lights. From this time, anyone who wanted to take advantage of the idea of \u200b\u200bneon backlight, were obliged to pay the license. By the end of the 20s, Claude Neon Lights income was almost $ 10 million annually, and neon signs became increasingly popular.
Unfortunately, the popularity of neon backlight was not eternal. Gradually, it began to replace modern LED lighting - appeared, ribbons and modules. They are more economical, resistant to external damage and temperature, can be used in a humid environment.
But neon signs can still be found in many cities of the world - the largest of them, consisting of 12 thousand lamps, is located in American Las Vegas. The area of \u200b\u200bthis gigantic signboard takes more than 6 kilometers.