The creation of color effects in lighting systems has become possible when using such light sources as neon lamps, which are gas-discharge and can be filled not only with neon, but also with other gases.
They are actively used by designers, advertisers and designers, in addition, they are appreciated by lighting specialists for their reliability and long service life.
In this material we will understand the structural features of neon light sources, talk about their advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to decorate the interior with their help.
Design and principle of operation
Externally, the lamp resembles a conventional fluorescent device - it is a glass tube, but filled not with argon with a drop of mercury, but with neon or other inert gas. The choice of gas just affects the color of the glow, and the process of pumping it into the tube occurs at low pressure.
The shape of the tube is the most convenient design, operating according to the following scheme. From two sides, electrodes are connected, to which voltage is then applied. Under the influence of voltage, the gas atoms part with the minus electrodes and acquire a positive charge.
Positively charged atoms move to the negative pole-electrode, and negatively charged electrons to the positive. Charged gas atoms and electrons separated from them are called plasma, and they form the electric circuit of a neon tube.
To free the cavity of the glass tube from the air and burn out excess substances, vacuum-thermal apparatuses are used in the production. With their help, they pump one of the noble gases
If you look closely at different types of neon bulbs, you can see the difference: some of them have an even, quiet glow, others shine as bright as possible. In the second case, together with an inert gas, mercury vapor is placed inside the tube. Under the influence of electric current, they begin to emit ultraviolet light - hence the unusual, "magical" lighting.
Inert gas lamps work equally well on AC and DC. However, the second option will look inferior, since the area of illumination will concentrate around one electrode. For this reason, it is AC that is used to connect the devices, while the voltage value must be large - up to 15,000 V.
Variants of the glow of discharge lamps. Light sources emitting colored rays from the glow of gas, and not the coating of glass tubes, are also called gas light. Suppose that in fluorescent lamps a shade of light occurs due to phosphor spraying
To increase the standard voltage to the required value, a transformer is used. It has been experimentally verified that a voltage of less than 1000 V does not cause a discharge inside the tube, therefore, it will not glow.
A mandatory stage in the manufacture of neon lights is a lengthy test. For this device, connect to a voltage of 12 or more hours, after which shortcomings are identified. During this period, mercury vapor is mixed with the gas and evenly distributed inside the tube, and the voltage stabilizes.
Color variety of gas lamps
The color range of neon devices is really large. Shades also depend on the selected gas, on the composition of the substance deposited on the glass and on the gas additive to the noble filling of the tube. They can change the intensity from instability of the current strength. Electrons of inert gas atoms during separation release energy, on which the light wavelength, and therefore the color, depends.
Contrary to popular belief, according to which neon lamps glow blue or lilac, devices with neon filling have a red or orange glow. By the way, to increase the brightness of red lamps mercury vapor is not needed - the light is already saturated
If you use pure inert gases in the tubes, they will give out the following colors:
- helium - pink;
- krypton is green;
- argon - lilac or blue.
You can get other colors. To do this, mix various gases, change their proportions, apply phosphors from the inside to the glass. For example, using krypton as the phosphor-coated tubes, a wide range of yellow shades can be obtained.
The density and frequency of electric currents can also affect color changes. If we take a neon lamp as an example, then when the current density decreases, the glow will turn orange, and when it increases, it will go into the blue segment of the glow spectrum.
In addition to krypton and argon lamps, fluorescent lamps can glow blue and purple - they are often confused. A similar glow and the ultraviolet light, which is often used in nightclubs and discos
In order for the effect of ultraviolet lamps to be present in gas-discharge devices, they are filled with xenon or krypton. Sometimes they use mixtures of various proportions and a mix with argon.
There is an article on our site where we talked in detail about ultraviolet lamps for home use. Read more - read on.
Advantages and disadvantages of fixtures
Gas discharge lamps quickly occupied their niche and are not going to leave it thanks to positive qualities. Pros relate to both the abundance of applications and the technical characteristics of devices. If we analyze all the parties from the point of view of users and specialists, we can distinguish the following advantageous qualities.
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The wide range that neon tubes and ribbons can provide has long been appreciated by interior and exterior designers.
Using the controller connected to the fixtures, you can reduce or increase the intensity of the light flux
If the lamp is manufactured in compliance with all requirements and is operated in appropriate conditions, the service life reaches 15-20 years
Glass tubes and neon ribbons are good because their shape is easy to change. To do this, the glass is heated, and the tape is initially elastic and flexible.
Since metal plugs are only at the edges, and the lamp body is glass, the light equally well fills the space around the device
The size and shape of lighting gas-discharge devices allow them to be built in and installed in hard-to-reach places - under a suspended ceiling, in niches
In good condition, neon lamps pose no danger. However, the tightness of tubes containing mercury vapor is best monitored
Unlike some energy-saving and LED lamps, as well as dimmable devices, gas-light sources do not make noise
Variety of colors and shades
Ability to adjust light intensity
Long life without repair
Possibility of manufacturing lamps of any configuration
Light from the source spreads in all directions
Neon tubes can be installed in various places
Conditional safety lighting
Lamps do not make noise during the work
And now let's turn to the shortcomings that are also present and make us refuse gas discharge lamps, for example, in everyday life.
Here are some of them:
- the power of neon devices is much lower than that of similar LED devices - 10 W / m;
- the fragility of the tube material is glass; if you break one lamp, the whole circuit goes out;
- it is necessary to constantly monitor that a gas harmful to health, if it is part of the filler, does not come out; special disposal is intended for lamps;
- installation requires special accuracy and knowledge, it is possible to incorrectly dock the circuit elements or accidentally break the glass.
And most importantly - color lighting is more of a decorative nature, and is not the basis of the lighting system. It is good for highlighting individual zones or creating attractive compositions, but is inappropriate in places of the “working” plan - in offices, in the kitchen, in the workshop, in the nursery.
The use of neon light sources
It is a mistake to consider that neon devices are only elements of decorative design and advertising signs. In fact, they have been used for more than a century, and in a variety of areas.
For example, before the advent of LEDs, it was neon light sources that were used as indicators of the voltage of a standard 220 V network.
Now you can also find miniature bulbs, which are often used to assemble all kinds of household circuits. The advantages are tangible: minimum current consumption, reliability and efficiency compared to incandescent lamps
Large lamps are equipped with standard socles E14 and E27 and are designed for lampholders, which are used in everyday life. So that the device can shine and work from a 220 V network, a resistor is built into the case.
In the last century, similar lamps were used as nightlights, but were sold together with lamps. Now production in Russia is covered, but the Chinese continue to produce similar products.
Balizor gas discharge lamps are used to illuminate high-voltage lines. Their feature is that the power is supplied directly from the cable on which they are held
A few more areas of application of neon devices:
- the release of indicator probes to detect alternating voltage in the phase;
- use in a stroboscope;
- as a threshold or active element in generating devices;
- as a protective element in telephone networks.
The use familiar to modern man is the advertising industry. The streets of megalopolises shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow, letters, logos, contours, lights and other eye-catching elements of advertising are made of glass tubes with bright glow.
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Saturation and "density" of neon light
Durability of neon tubes and tapes
Wide temperature range of lighting
Combination of various manufacturing technologies
An excellent example of the use of neon lighting is the American Las Vegas and other places related to the entertainment industry. Colored lights strewn nightclubs, casinos, theaters, cafes and hotels.
Interior Design Tips
In residential buildings, neon lights are rarely and reluctantly used. Perhaps this is due to the inappropriateness of multi-colored lighting in small apartments, which are still the basis of the residential sector of cities, especially provincial ones.
However, in cottages and apartments of a new layout with high ceilings, neon lights are increasingly used.
Modern designers who know how to draw attention to an object or create a special atmosphere are especially fond of highlighting individual elements of the decor.
The recommendations of designers and decorators may be of interest to anyone who wants to change the atmosphere, refresh the interior, make repairs, or simply experiment with neon lighting. To do this, you need to purchase lamps of a suitable size, choose the installation location correctly and install using additional equipment (for example, a controller or transformer).
There are many options for using neon in an apartment, a private house or even in an office; we will consider only a few of them.
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Thin streaks of light, knocking out from under the sofas or cabinets, immerse the room in a mysterious atmosphere.
Multi-colored lighting favorably demonstrates decorations and decorative elements placed in niches and in cabinets
Along with the decorative function, a practical one is also used, useful for lighting steps in the dark, columns in the middle of the room
The kitchen is not the most successful area for placing color design, however, if placed correctly, it recreates an interesting "space" style
Some lighting fixtures filled with inert gas are at the same time a decorative figure adorning the interior
If neon lamps are placed inside translucent columns, they will simultaneously be both a stylish element of the interior and a lamp
Highlighting suspended or suspended ceilings is already a familiar way to diversify the atmosphere and revitalize the classic interior
Well-positioned lighting is an additional delimiter of space in voluminous rooms such as studios or loft-style rooms
Illumination of furniture modules and headsets
Accent highlight interior accessories
Functional purpose of neon lighting
Lighting for work surfaces and areas
Highlighting designer figures or sculptures
Frosted columns made of transparent material
Decoration of suspended tension and drywall constructions
Zoning of studio apartments and large rooms
Color lighting is an excellent tool to get rid of the stereotypical approach to interior design. Ordinary furniture shades of blue, lilac or green seem more expressive and stylish. But in all respects the rule of measure and propriety must be observed.
To expand your horizons and get acquainted with different types of discharge lamps closer, videos with reviews and reports will help.
A variety of assortment of lamps on the market:
The process of manufacturing gas-filled lamps:
Installing the cord in a car:
Amazing package from China:
Checking the characteristics of the neon cord:
Neon lamps can turn a boring street into a holiday booth, and make the familiar atmosphere of an apartment mysterious and stylish. However, before choosing a device, be sure to remember about an alternative option for backlighting - LED strips, which are now recognized as the most economical, productive and reliable.
Perhaps you already use neon in the interior of your home? Please share photos of your interiors with neon lights, tell us if you are satisfied with your own choice? Write your comments in the block under the article.