Neon lamp - new light sources

Neon lamps we meet most often in the form of signal (in home appliances). As a rule, they are used to indicate power on. This can be seen on electric ovens, irons, toasters and other equipment. Such pointers burn in orange-red color.

Principle of operation

The light emitted by them is not particularly bright. It is created by the flow of electrons that arises between two electrodes in a glass flask filled with neon gas.

Design

Neon lamp has the same design as all other gas-discharge light sources. It is a glass cylinder or a tube with two electrodes soldered into it. A glass flask can be given almost any shape. Neon gas is pumped into this tube under low pressure. Under the name "neon lamp" there can be similar light sources filled with other inert gases, helium, argon, krypton. There can be added pairs of metals, phosphors, all this creates a large range of colors and shades. But this is called all diversity by the name of its ancestor - a 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 brightness - from 70 to 95V AC.

Resistance

Resistance as an element of an electrical circuit is simply necessary for the operation of such a light source. It enters into its design and limits the electric current. When the neon lamp is already working, the electric current for it becomes large, and without the built-in resistance it can simply destroy it. It can work 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 can not be connected to a normal 220V network. For them special transformers are produced, which produce high voltage, but with a frequency of 50Hz.

Brightness

Neon lamp radiates 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 the orange-red light. The luminous flux of such a light source is from 0.03 to 0.07 lumens.

Operation 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 25000 to 50000 hours. The constant current reduces its service life by 40%.

Fluorescent lamp

This is an option with green light. It is also used as a signal light source. Green light is obtained as follows. The glass bulb from the inside is covered with a special fluorescent substance that absorbs red light and turns it into green.

Using

Lamps have found their application in decorative illumination 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. Used neon lamps for cars as a backlight for the bottom, interior, trunk. If desired, they can be installed anywhere. Can be sold in a set of four pieces. Two are attached to the front and back of the case. And two - on each side. Transformers included in the kit can be both built-in and external. The price of the kit for tuning is 300 dollars.