Neon lamps we meet most often in the form of signal (in home appliances). Typically, they are used to indicate power on. This can be seen on electric ovens, irons, toasters and other appliances. These indicators are orange-red.
Working principle
The light emitted by them is not particularly bright. It is created by a flow of electrons that occurs between two electrodes in a glass bulb filled with gas - neon.
Design
The neon lamp has the same design as all other gas-discharge light sources. It is a glass container or tube with two electrodes soldered into it. The glass flask can be given almost any shape. Neon gas is pumped into this tube at low pressure. Under the name "neon lamp" there may be similar light sources filled with other inert gases, helium, argon, krypton. Metal vapors, phosphors can be added there, all this creates a wide range of colors and shades. But this whole variety is called by the name of its ancestor - a neon lamp.
Starting voltage
For herbegan to glow, you need to apply a starting voltage to its electrodes. For normal brightness, it will be from 45 to 65V, and for high brightness, from 70 to 95V AC.
Resistance
Resistance as an element of the electrical circuit is simply necessary for the operation of such a light source. It is included in its design and limits the electric current. When a neon lamp is already working, the electric current for it becomes large, and without built-in resistance, it can simply destroy it. It can operate at 110V, 220V (depending on the built-in resistance).
Transformers
Such lighting is very demanding on the parameters of electric current. In addition to the built-in resistance, a transformer for neon lamps is also included in the electrical circuit. Without it, they cannot be connected to a regular 220V network. For them, special transformers are produced that generate high voltage, but with a frequency of 50 Hz.
Brightness
Neon lamp emits in the visible and infrared ranges of electromagnetic waves. The visible part of its radiation lies in the range from 580 to 750 nm. This corresponds to orange-red light. The luminous flux of such a light source is from 0.03 to 0.07 lumens.
Operating time
The time of its operation depends on the magnitude and type of current. With a current strength of 1mA, the service life is from 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Direct current reduces its life by 40%.
Fluorescent lamp
This is the green light option. He alsoused as a signal light source. Green light is obtained as follows. The inside of the glass bulb is coated with a special fluorescent substance that absorbs red light and turns it green.
Use
Lamps have found their application in decorative lighting of interiors, in the advertising industry, as light indicators of various devices. This is due to a number of their parameters. They are economical, durable and safe. Neon lamps for cars are used as illumination of the bottom, interior, trunk. If desired, they can be installed anywhere. Can be sold in a set of four. Two are attached to the front and back of the case. And two on the sides. The transformers included in the kit can be either built-in or external. The price of the tuning kit is $300.
