Neon and fluorescent lights are two types of electric discharge lamps that provide illumination using glowing gases. While they share some similarities, there are important differences between neon and fluorescent lighting in terms of their composition, workings, applications and visual effects. Understanding how neon and fluorescent lights operate can help inform choices for lighting applications.
What is Neon Lighting?
Neon lighting consists of glass tubes filled with neon or other gases that glow when electric current is passed through them. The tubes have electrodes at each end and are coated inside with phosphor. Here are some key facts about neon lights:
- Neon lights contain one of the noble gases – typically neon, but sometimes argon, krypton or xenon. Neon produces the familiar red-orange glow.
- When sufficient voltage is applied, electrons flow through the tube colliding with and ionizing noble gas atoms. This causes the atoms to emit ultraviolet light.
- The ultraviolet light is absorbed by the phosphor coating, causing it to fluoresce in visible colors depending on the coating composition. Common colors are red, blue, green and white.
- Neon tubes require high voltages of 2,000 to 15,000 volts to operate. Transformers are used to generate the required voltage from mains power.
- Neon lights provide a diffuse, even glow along the length of the tube, which can be bent into shapes like letters, symbols and decorative elements.
- Neon lighting has a distinctive brightness and saturated colors. The reddish-orange glow of neon is especially recognizable.
So in summary, a neon light consists of a sealed tube of neon or other noble gas with phosphor coating that emits colored light when electrified at high voltages.
What is Fluorescent Lighting?
Fluorescent lighting also produces visible light by sending electricity through a gas-filled tube. However, there are some key differences in how fluorescent lights work:
- Fluorescent tubes contain mercury vapor along with argon or neon ionizing gases.
- Ultraviolet light emitted by the ionized mercury vapor causes a phosphor coating on the tube interior to fluoresce.
- Different phosphor compositions emit different colors. Most fluorescent tubes emit white light.
- Fluorescent tubes require less voltage to operate than neon, typically 100 to 300 volts.
- They provide diffuse area lighting and are made in straight lengths or compact shapes to fit lighting fixtures.
- Fluorescent lighting has a spectrum with sharper peaks in the red, green and blue wavelengths.
In summary, fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor that emits UV light to cause phosphor-coated tubing to fluoresce, providing broad area lighting at moderate voltages.
Differences Between Neon and Fluorescent
While neon and fluorescent lights share some working principles, there are notable differences between the two technologies:
| Neon | Fluorescent |
|---|---|
| Contains neon or other noble gases only | Contains mercury vapor + ionizing gases |
| Emits narrow-spectrum colors | Emits broad-spectrum white light |
| Requires high voltage (2-15 kV) | Operates at lower voltage (100-300V) |
| Produces an even diffuse glow | Emits from phosphor coating |
| Used for signage and decoration | Used for area lighting |
To summarize, the key differences are:
- Neon tubes contain pure noble gases while fluorescent contain mercury vapor.
- Neon emits specific visible colors while fluorescent emits white light.
- Neon requires higher voltage to operate.
- Neon produces an even glow along the tube while fluorescent emits from the phosphor coating.
- Neon is used in signs while fluorescent is used in lighting fixtures.
So while neon and fluorescent lights rely on similar electric discharge principles, the different gases and phosphors produce different colors, brightness levels and applications.
Neon vs Fluorescent Lighting Applications
The different characteristics of neon and fluorescent lamps make them suitable for different lighting applications:
Neon Applications
- Signage – neon’s bright colors and custom bending are ideal for store signs and business logos.
- Decorative lighting – used aesthetically in art, bars, restaurants, etc.
- Contour lighting – neon can be installed behind translucent letters or edges.
- Accent lighting – neon adds pops of color and visual interest.
Fluorescent Applications
- Office lighting – fluorescent provides economical general lighting.
- Commercial/industrial spaces – widely used in factories, workshops, warehouses, etc.
- Retail lighting – provides bright, shadow-free light ideal for merchandising.
- Task lighting – fluorescent Desk lamps, work lights, etc.
- Home lighting – often used in kitchens, basements, garages.
So in summary, neon lighting is preferred for accenting, signage and decoration roles while fluorescent dominantly serves in area lighting applications where affordable broad lighting is needed.
Fluorescent vs LED Lighting
LED lighting has emerged as an energy-efficient alternative to fluorescent lamps in many applications:
| Fluorescent | LED |
|---|---|
| Operates by passing electricity through gas | Operates by passing electricity through semiconductor |
| Requires ballast to regulate current | Does not require ballast |
| Prone to flickering and hum | No flickering or hum |
| Contains hazardous mercury | Contains no hazardous materials |
| Warm-up time required to reach full brightness | Reaches full brightness instantly |
| Directional light output | Multidirectional light output |
| Shorter lifespan (10,000-20,000 hours) | Long lifespan (30,000-50,000 hours) |
Key advantages of LED lighting compared to fluorescent include:
- More energy efficient – uses up to 80% less power.
- Longer lasting – lasts 3-5 times longer.
- Contains no hazardous materials – more eco-friendly.
- Cooler operation – less heat output.
- No warm-up period – instant brightness.
- Can be dimmed – brighter/darker on demand.
The longer life, lower energy use and mercury-free operation give LED lights significant advantages. As costs continue to decrease, LED technology is expected to displace fluorescent for most lighting applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while neon and fluorescent lighting share some similarities in their working principles, they have distinct compositions, voltage requirements, light spectra and applications:
- Neon lights contain pure neon or other noble gases and produce colorful glows at high voltages, ideal for signs and accents.
- Fluorescent lights use mercury vapor to produce broad spectrum white light at lower voltages, suiting area illumination roles.
- LED lighting outperforms fluorescent in energy efficiency and lifespan without hazardous materials, increasingly becoming the top choice for most lighting needs.
So while neon and fluorescent lighting have filled important roles in the past, continued improvements in solid-state LED technology are likely to make LED lamps the predominant choice for future lighting applications, replacing most neon and fluorescent uses. Carefully evaluating the different attributes of each technology allows choosing the best lighting solution for any given purpose.
