Indicator lamps mainly relate to gas discharge elements with a cold-type cathode. During the working process, an independent glow discharge occurs, which is accompanied by a glow. Its color depends on the composition of the filler. For indicator analogues, this is most often an orange-red color. Nickel, aluminum, molybdenum or iron can act as electrodes.
Indicator lamp connection
To connect the light element, a transformer is selected along the length of the lamp, taking into account the composition of the gas filler. Secondary voltage is calculated according to special tables.
Further manipulations:
- Electronic type voltage converters are mainly suitable for enclosed spaces, unless otherwise provided in the technical accompanying documentation.
- Neon indicator lamps when installing on the street require mandatory grounding.
- Next, you should choose a high-voltage wire of the desired cross section with a minimum margin in length. To protect the wiring from metal elements, PVC pipes are used.
- The lamp is placed in polycarbonate retainers according to the circuit indicated on the transformer. Connection points are insulated with electrical tape and polymer tubes.
- All conductive parts must be earthed.
- Since glass is used in the construction of neon light elements, an additional protection made of polycarbonate or plexiglass should be installed.
- Observe safety rules during installation: do not drop or shake the lamp. This can lead to depressurization, as a result of which the element will not work.
- If you add a pair of mercury or phosphor, the glow will change color.
Features
Indicator lamps with neon are divided into three main types:
- A fluorescent electrical appliance is an element of daylight that is mounted in special fixtures. The disadvantages of this model include frequent burnout.
- Signal modifications are designed for light indication of electrical impulses. The design includes a pair of electrodes in the form of cylinders, disks or rods, which have a different configuration and are placed in a glass flask. The container contains a special mixture that gives a red or orange glow.
- Decorative indicator lamps are designed for installation in a standard E14 or E27 lampholder, they operate from a 220 Volt network. Elements include a ballast, which allows you to connect them directly to the lighting network.
It is worth noting that green fluorescent analogues are used as a signal light source. The inside of the glass tank is coated with a special coating that turns the red color into green. Small neon bulbs can function as a backlight paired with an LED element.
Main characteristics
When choosing indicator lamps, the following basic parameters are taken into account:
- External diameter.
- Linear length.
- Color index.
- Color rendering index.
- The flow of light in the ranges of 50-80 A.
- Power consumption at a similar current strength.
- The length of the electric.
Let's consider more specific characteristics on the example of the MN-7 modification:
- The maximum voltage of the occurrence of the discharge is 87 V.
- A similar indicator for maintaining the discharge (maximum / minimum) is 67/48 V.
- The estimated brightness is 50 cd / sq.m.
- Operating current (maximum / minimum) - 2.0 / 0.5 mA.
- Ballast resistance - 60 kOhm.
- Indicator hours - at least 500 hours.
- The flask in diameter is 40 mm.
- Weight - 9 g.
- Base - B15d / 18.
LED indicator lights
These light elements are divided into several categories. We begin the review with a modification of DIP. These LEDs are a crystal with a convex lens or without it, which is located in the output housing. The base may be a cylindrical or rectangular configuration. Lamps are available in a wide range of colors, including up to IR and UV versions. The market offers single-color and multi-color versions that combine several different crystals. The disadvantages of this group include a small scattering angle (not more than 60 degrees).
Super Flux Piranha Model
The design of these LEDs includes elements of high brightness, placed in a rectangular case equipped with 4 pins. Such a solution makes it possible to securely attach the light bulb to the board. “Piranhas” are issued in red, blue, white and green colors, lens sizes are 3 and 5 mm. The dispersion rate ranges from 40 to 120 degrees. The main field of application of these elements is the illumination of automobile dashboards, advertising signs, navigation lights.
Straw Hat
An incandescent indicator lamp with LEDs of this type has a significant scattering angle. Its configuration resembles the outwardly standard LED analogs with a pair of pins, but it has a lower height and an increased lens size. The working crystal is placed closer to the front wall of the lens, which differs in its characteristics, depending on the purpose. Information on this is available in the accompanying documents. The scattering angle reaches 100-140 degrees.
On sale you can find white, red, green, yellow and blue models. LEDs are able to create an omnidirectional glow, which allows them to be used for decorative purposes and other cases where uniform illumination with low energy consumption is required.
SMD
This group of LEDs includes the most vivid color and white light elements with a power of about 0.1 watts. They fit in standard chassis for surface mounting. Models with and without a convex lens are provided. Given the ease of installation of these bulbs, LED tapes are produced on their basis. One of the most popular in this area has become an element like Cree SMD 3528.
Analogs
Alternative to the systems considered above, light sources are indicator lamps. In this class, the modification of the SCR is popular. Elements are used as a replacement for standard incandescent bulbs in automatic systems. This allows you to increase the service life of the part by optimizing the adjustment of its work and low power consumption.
Below are the main parameters of the indicator lamp for 220 V type SKL:
- Current consumption - from 2.5 to 20 mA.
- The rated voltage is 220 V.
- Protection rating - IP54.
- Operating temperature - from –40 to +60 degrees Celsius.
- Frequency on alternating current - 50 Hz.
- Glow - green, yellow, white, red, blue.
- Panel mounting hole - 30 mm in diameter.
- The radiation power is 20 mcd.
How to check the health of the lamps
Control testing of signal neon elements is carried out by means of visual inspection and verification directly under voltage. The second way to control the operation of the indicator lamp in question is to test in a radio broadcast network using a low-frequency transformer. If there are no radio broadcasts or alternating current supply nearby, you can check the bulb by connecting it to the battery and the power transformer or its interlamp equivalent.
The luminescent light element is activated by an electromagnetic or electronic ballast. To check the LED or neon version, you need to take a similar serviceable fixture and connect it in series according to the diagram to the control sample. If it is on, then the problem is in the main unit. In modern designs, primarily electronic ballasts are used.