Introduction
When it comes to custom neon signs, the power adaptor is a critical component that is often overlooked. While the LED tubing and design may capture the eye, it's the power adaptor that ensures your sign functions safely and reliably. Unfortunately, many competitors in the industry cut corners by using low-cost, non-certified power adaptors that can lead to failures, increased risk of fire, and ultimately, a shortened lifespan for your neon sign. This article will explore why high-quality power adaptors, like those provided by Mean Well, are essential for peace of mind and the long-term success of your LED neon signage.
The Risks of Low-Quality Power Adaptors
When it comes to custom neon signs, the power adaptor is a critical component that is often overlooked. While the LED tubing and design may capture attention, it’s the power adaptor that ensures your sign functions safely and reliably. Unfortunately, many competitors in the industry cut corners by using low-cost, non-certified power adaptors, which can lead to failures, an increased risk of fire, and ultimately a shortened lifespan for your neon sign. This article will explore why high-quality power adaptors, like those provided by Mean Well, are essential for peace of mind and the long-term success of your LED neon signage.
Actual image of Power Adaptor that burnt out after 1 year of use.
The wrong power supply can have dire results for businesses
The Benefits of Mean Well Power Adaptors
Mean Well power supplies are renowned for their consistent quality and high reliability, making them ideal for demanding applications such as industrial automation, LED lighting, telecommunications, and medical devices. Built to meet rigorous international safety standards, these power supplies perform reliably under various environmental conditions, distinguishing them from low-cost competitors that lack specialisation in power supplies. Here's why their adaptors are superior:
Genuine Certifications
Mean Well power adaptors are fully certified by international standards, including UL, CE, RoHS, and SAA (Standards Australia). These certifications ensure the adaptors meet strict safety and performance criteria, significantly reducing the risk of fire and electrical hazards.
Surge Protection
Mean Well adaptors feature advanced surge protection, safeguarding your neon signs from power spikes. For instance, the Mean Well XLG-200 series offers surge protection up to 6KV/10KV, far surpassing what most standard adaptors provide. This level of protection ensures your sign remains operational even in areas prone to electrical disturbances.
Durability and Longevity:
These adaptors are built to last, with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of up to 230,000 hours. This reliability translates into fewer disruptions and lower maintenance costs over the lifespan of your sign.
Wide Temperature Range
Mean Well power adaptors are designed to function effectively across a broad temperature range, typically from -30°C to +70°C. This ensures reliable performance of your neon sign in extreme cold or heat, making them suitable for various climates and environments.
Metal Case with IP67 Waterproof Rating
For outdoor use, the Mean Well XLG-200 series comes with a robust metal case and an IP67 waterproof rating. IP67 protection means the adaptor is fully protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. This protection is crucial for ensuring durability and safety in outdoor settings where exposure to the elements is inevitable.
Heat Management
Mean Well adaptors are designed with excellent heat dissipation to prevent overheating, ensuring the sign stays cool during operation. This feature is essential for maintaining both the safety and longevity of your neon sign.
Warranty
Indoor Warranty Period: Mean Well offers a 3-year warranty on all indoor products, including power adaptors.
Outdoor Warranty Period: For outdoor-rated power supplies, such as those with an IP67 rating (like the XLG-200 series), the warranty extends to 5 years, thanks to their robust design, waterproof metal cases, and advanced environmental protection.
Price-Performance Ratio
Mean Well stands out for its excellent price-performance ratio. While not the cheapest on the market, they offer exceptional value for the quality, reliability, and features provided. Competitors like TDK-Lambda and Delta Electronics may offer similar quality but often at a higher price point, making Mean Well an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers without compromising performance.
Energy Efficiency and Advanced Features
Mean Well power supplies are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often meeting or exceeding the latest efficiency standards, such as 80 PLUS certification. They also feature advanced technologies such as active PFC (Power Factor Correction), high MTBF, and multiple protection mechanisms (overv-oltage, overcurrent, thermal shutdown, etc.), making them suitable for critical applications where reliability and efficiency are key.
The Importance of Quality Power Adaptors in LED Neon Signage:
Unlike many competitors who use low-cost, non-certified adaptors, Kings of Neon provides only the highest quality power supplies from Mean Well. Here’s why this matters:
Specialisation in Power Supplies:
Mean Well specialises in power supplies, unlike many third-party manufacturers who produce a variety of electronics. This specialisation ensures their adaptors are engineered for optimal performance and safety in demanding applications like LED neon signage.
Warranty and Support:
While our competitors typically offer a 2-year warranty on indoor signs and just 1 year on outdoor signs (including power adaptors), Kings of Neon provides a 3-year warranty on all indoor Mean Well power adaptors, and an industry-leading 5-year warranty for outdoor models. This extended warranty reflects our confidence in the product’s durability and our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Comparing Competitors
Unlike many competitors who use low-cost, non-certified adaptors, Kings of Neon provides only the highest quality power supplies from Mean Well. Here’s why this matters:
Specialisation in Power Supplies:
Mean Well specialises in power supplies, unlike many third-party manufacturers who dabble in various electronics. This specialisation ensures their adaptors are engineered for optimal performance and safety in demanding applications like LED neon signage.
Warranty and Support:
While our competitors typically offer a 2-year warranty on indoor signs and 1 year on outdoor signs (including their power adaptors), Kings of Neon offers a 3-year warranty on all indoor Mean Well power adaptors and an industry-leading 5-year warranty for outdoor models. This extended warranty reflects our confidence in the product’s durability and our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Meanwell ISO9001 CERTIFICATION Is just one of the many certifications which highlights the quality and safety of the adapter.
Peace of Mind for Your Business:
Investing in a high-quality power adaptor from Kings of Neon provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your custom neon sign is powered by a reliable and safe component. The long-term benefits include:
Reduced Risk of Failure:
With superior surge protection and certified quality, the likelihood of sign failure due to power issues is significantly reduced.
Safety Assurance:
The risk of fire or other safety hazards is minimised, protecting your business, customers, and premises.
Cost Efficiency:
While high-quality adaptors may come at a higher upfront cost, they save money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of your sign.
The Importance of Quality Power Adaptors in LED Neon Signage:
Our Mean Well power adaptors are certified for a wide range of applications, ensuring they are versatile and reliable across various industries. These applications include:
LED Lighting: Ideal for indoor and outdoor LED neon signage.
Street Lighting: Reliable performance for public and private street lights.
Floodlight Lighting: Effective for powerful, broad illumination in various settings.
Stage Lighting: Suitable for dynamic and professional stage setups.
Fishing Lighting: Reliable power solutions for marine and fishing equipment.
Horticulture Lighting: Supports specialised lighting systems for agriculture.
Bay Lighting: Essential for large, open spaces requiring powerful lighting.
DMX Power Supply: Powers sophisticated lighting control systems.
Skyscraper Lighting: Ideal for high-rise buildings requiring reliable illumination.
Type HL for use in Class I, Division 2: Certified for hazardous locations.
Consumer Electronic Devices: Suitable for various household and personal electronics.
Telecommunication Devices: Powers essential communication equipment.
Office Facilities: Supports office environments, including lighting and power needs.
Industrial Equipment: Robust enough for heavy-duty industrial machinery.
Certified Safety Standards:
The Mean Well power adaptors meet the following safety standards, providing you with confidence in their performance and reliability:
SAA AS/NZS 60950.1: Australian safety standard certification for electrical products.
UL 62368-1: Certification for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment.
UL 8750: Certification for LED equipment for use in lighting products.
CSA C22.2: Canadian safety standards for electrical equipment.
EN 61347-1 & EN 61347-2-13: European safety standards for lamp control gear.
BSMI CNS14336: Taiwan safety certification for electrical and electronic products.
CCC GB4943.1 & GB19510.1: China Compulsory Certification for electrical safety.
PSE J62368-1: Japan’s Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material law certification.
BIS IS13252: Indian safety standard for electronic equipment.
KC K60950-1 & KC61347-2-13: Korean certification for electronic safety standards.
EAC TP TC 004: Eurasian Conformity mark indicating compliance with standards in the Eurasian Customs Union.
NOM-058-SCFI-2017: Mexican safety standard for electronic equipment.
Conclusion:
The choice of power adaptor is critical to the performance and safety of your custom neon sign. By selecting Kings of Neon and our top-tier Mean Well power adaptors, you’re investing in a product that offers superior quality, safety, and reliability. Don’t compromise on the heart of your signage—choose the best for peace of mind and long-term success.