We find neon lamps most often in the form of signal lights (in home appliances). They are typically used to indicate power is on. This can be seen on electric ovens, irons, toasters and other appliances. These indicators are lit in orange-red.
Principle of operation
The light emitted by them is not very bright. It is created by a stream of electrons arising between two electrodes in a glass flask filled with gas - neon.
Design
The neon lamp has the same design as all other gas-discharge light sources. It is a glass bottle or tube with two electrodes soldered into it. The glass flask can be shaped into almost any shape. Neon gas is pumped into this tube at low pressure. Under the name "neon lamp" can be similar light sources filled with other inert gases, helium, argon, krypton. There can be added a pair of metals, phosphors, all this creates a large gamut of colors and shades. But this diversity is called by the name of its ancestor - the neon lamp.
Starting voltage
In order for it to begin to glow, it is necessary to apply a starting voltage to its electrodes. For normal brightness, it will be from 45 to 65V, and for high - from 70 to 95V AC.
Resistance
Resistance as an element of an electric circuit is simply necessary for the operation of such a light source. It is included in its design and limits electric current. When the 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 a voltage of 110V, 220V (depending on the built-in resistance).
Transformers
Such lighting is very demanding on the parameters of the 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. Special transformers are produced for them , which produce a high voltage, but with a frequency of 50 Hz.
Brightness
A 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 an orange-red light. The luminous flux of such a light source is from 0.03 to 0.07 lumens.
Operating time
Its operating time 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 service life by 40%.
Fluorescent lamp
This is a green light option. It is also used as a signal light source. Green light is obtained as follows. The glass bulb is coated inside with a special fluorescent substance that absorbs red light and turns it into green.
Using
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 are used for cars as a backlight, interior, trunk. If desired, they can be installed anywhere. Can be sold in a set of four pieces. Two are attached in front and behind 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.