Energy storage neon bulb

What is a neon light bulb?

(Image source: Bristol Watch Co.) Neon bulbs – more properly called lamps since that is their function – have been around since the early 1900s and come in a variety of sizes and styles. The most common size in general use for indicators by far is generically known as the NE-2 lamp. A good example is the Interlight 4PAK:WX-EGA2-0.

How much does a neon light cost?

A glass neon light is estimated to cost $200-plus per year to operate, and a fluorescent light is projected to cost over $320 per year.

How does LED neon compare to fluorescent and glass neon lights?

When it comes to energy consumption, LED neon's power consumption is 150 watts, while fluorescent lights consume 610 watts and glass neon lights consume 400 watts. Let’s take a look at how LED Neon compares to fluorescent and glass neon lights.

Can a neon lamp be used as an AC power-on indicator?

There’s an easier way to design in a neon lamp as an AC power-on indicator that doesn’t require wiring up the lamp and resistor and then insulating the assembly. You can get the lamp and resistor as a panel indicator in a ready-to-use, sealed panel-mount housing with a choice of wire leads, solder terminals, or quick-connect terminals.

How do neon lamps work?

In some ways, neon lamps are similar to miniature gas discharge tubes (GDTs) used for circuit protection. Note that neon lamps are non-polarized DC devices with two symmetrical electrodes. When DC is applied, one electrode glows; if the DC is reversed, the other electrode glows (Figure 5).

What temperature do neon lamps operate?

They generally operate over a wide temperature range from -40°C to +150°C and are not susceptible to damage from voltage transients such as high-voltage static discharges or line transients. In some ways, neon lamps are similar to miniature gas discharge tubes (GDTs) used for circuit protection.