A Comprehensive Comparison of Durability, Manufacturing, and Performance

Introduction

In the world of neon signage, technological advancements are key to creating products that excel in brightness, efficiency, and durability. LUMINEX™ LED Neon Technology and SPLICE™ LED Neon are two standout offerings from Kings of Neon, each designed to meet different performance needs. While LUMINEX™ focuses on superior brightness and precision for high-profile indoor applications, SPLICE™ offers robust durability for both indoor and outdoor environments. In this article, we will explore the unique features of LUMINEX™ LED Neon and SPLICE™ LED Neon, highlighting their manufacturing processes and why they stand out in the neon signage market.

What Is LUMINEX™ LED Neon Technology?

LUMINEX™ LED Neon Technology is designed for businesses that prioritise brightness, colour accuracy, and visual impact. Unlike traditional neon signs or standard LED products, LUMINEX™ uses premium materials like 100% pure extruded silicone tubing and the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset, ensuring a brighter, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting sign.

What Is SPLICE™ LED Neon Technology?

SPLICE™ LED Neon is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering exceptional durability at a cost-effective price point. It features a layered manufacturing process that combines the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset with IP67-rated LED strips (ideal for outdoor use), embedded into a CNC-machined acrylic backboard and sealed with waterproof glue and silicone tubing. This construction ensures superior weather resistance and makes SPLICE™ the perfect choice for outdoor signage, as well as budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, sleek solution for various environments.

Key Differences Between LUMINEX™ and SPLICE™ LED Neon

1. Brightness and Visual Quality

LUMINEX™ LED Neon:

• Equipped with the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset, LUMINEX™ provides 20% more brightness than SPLICE™ LED neon. The LEDs in LUMINEX™ are embedded vertically within the silicone tubing, allowing for optimal light dispersion. The tubing itself uses 156% more silicone than SPLICE™, enhancing light control. Light is evenly refracted within the silicone due to the opaque side panels, which are designed to create a smooth, consistent glow without hotspots. This unique structure, along with 120 LEDs per meter, makes LUMINEX™ ideal for high-precision commercial indoor settings where visual quality is critical.

SPLICE™ LED Neon:

• While SPLICE™ offers high brightness, its focus is on durability rather than maximizing light output. The IP67 LED strip ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions but doesn't prioritize the ultra-bright intensity that LUMINEX™ offers, making it perfect for outdoor environments.

2. Durability and Application

LUMINEX™ LED Neon:

• Designed primarily for indoor commercial use, LUMINEX™ offers flexibility and durability, but it truly excels in high-profile applications where brightness and color consistency are critical. The silicone tubing withstands temperature extremes from -50°C to 150°C, making it durable but best suited for indoor environments.

SPLICE™ LED Neon:

• SPLICE™ is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, with an IP67 rating that guarantees protection against water, dust, and UV exposure. The CNC-machined acrylic backboard makes SPLICE™ heavier but more robust, enabling it to thrive in outdoor signage applications where long-term exposure to the elements is inevitable. This level of durability ensures SPLICE™ performs flawlessly in high-traffic outdoor areas and challenging environments like coastal regions.

3. Manufacturing Process

LUMINEX™ LED Neon:

• The production of LUMINEX™ is highly skill-intensive, involving precise cutting, soldering, and meticulous assembly of each LED strip, which can extend production time by up to 70%. The use of additional silicone tubing enhances durability and protection but also increases material costs, making LUMINEX™ approximately 20% more expensive than SPLICE™.
• Furthermore, LUMINEX™ has strict minimum cut and bend criteria, which must be carefully followed to achieve intricate, custom designs with maximum precision.

SPLICE™ LED Neon:

• The layered assembly process of SPLICE™ is more straightforward, using CNC-cut acrylic to precisely set the LED strip into the backboard. This makes the hand-crafting process faster and easier, allowing SPLICE™ to be manufactured more quickly. The heavier acrylic backboard adds robustness but increases weight, making it ideal for outdoor applications where stability is key.
• The simplicity of embedding the LED strip and then overlaying it with waterproof glue and silicone tubing ensures reliable IP67 rated waterproofing for outdoor signs.

4. Energy Efficiency and Lifespan

LUMINEX™ LED Neon:

• LUMINEX™ uses the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset, known for its energy efficiency. It draws less power while delivering brighter light than standard chipsets, which not only reduces energy consumption but extends the lifespan of the sign of up to 100,000 hours.

SPLICE™ LED Neon:

• SPLICE™ also utilises the same energy-efficient LED strips and offers a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. However, the layered construction of the LED strip within the sign adds an extra level of protection, making it better suited to withstand severe environmental stresses

5. Price Difference

While both LUMINEX™ and SPLICE™ offer excellent value, there is a noticeable price difference between the two. LUMINEX™ uses 156% more silicone compared to SPLICE™, along with a more intricate manufacturing process. This includes precise cutting, vertical LED embedding, and additional labor costs to ensure a superior finish. As a result, LUMINEX™ typically costs about 20% more than SPLICE™, making it the premium choice for businesses that require exceptional brightness, flexibility, and precision. Meanwhile, SPLICE™ offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for buyers seeking a cost-effective, sleek solution.

Why Choose LUMINEX™ LED Neon?

LUMINEX™ is the premium choice for indoor commercial applications that require maximum brightness, vibrant colour, and aesthetic precision. Its use of the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset ensures superior light output and energy efficiency, while the flexible silicone tubing makes it ideal for intricate, custom designs. Unit Cut technology allows for precise, hand-crafted signs, making LUMINEX™ a standout for high-end retail stores, offices, and creative indoor spaces where visual impact is critical.

Why Choose SPLICE™ LED Neon?

If you're looking for a sign that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, SPLICE™ LED Neon is your go-to choice. Its CNC-machined acrylic backboard, waterproof glue, and silicone overlay provide unmatched durability for outdoor signage, ensuring protection against rain, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations. SPLICE™ is easier and faster to produce, making it an ideal solution for projects that require weatherproofing and heavy-duty performance at a competitive price point.

Comparing LUMINEX™ Chipset to the Rest of the Neon Sign Market

When it comes to LED neon signs, the choice of chipset is crucial in determining the overall performance, durability, and quality of the sign. While many Chinese suppliers and lower-end manufacturers use the cheaper non-branded chipsets, LUMINEX™ technology exclusively utilises the superior Sanan 2835 LED Chipset. This decision is not just about offering a better product, but about ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality, most reliable neon signs available.

Market Overview: Inferior Chipsets in the Industry

In the neon sign market, there are numerous suppliers, particularly from China, that use lower-quality chipsets. These chipsets, while cheaper, often fall short in terms of efficiency, brightness, and longevity. They are favoured by budget-conscious manufacturers aiming to reduce costs, but they come with significant trade-offs in quality and reliability. These issues can lead to signs that are dimmer, more prone to failure, and less durable over time.

Why LUMINEX™ Chooses the Sanan 2835 LED Chipset

The Sanan 2835 LED Chipset offers several key advantages over the more commonly used 3.0-3.2V chipset:

Efficiency and Brightness: The Sanan 2835 Chipset is known for its high efficiency and brightness. It produces 20% more light while drawing less wattage compared to the 5050 SMD, a common alternative. This efficiency is crucial for applications where power consumption and light output are critical factors.

Power Consumption: The 2835 SMD pulls only 0.2W per chip, which is less than the 0.24W pulled by the 5050 SMD. This lower power consumption can lead to significant energy savings, especially in large-scale installations.

Flexibility and Versatility: The 2835 Chipset can be mounted with up to 120 LEDs per meter, offering higher luminosity options (up to 2600 lumens per meter) without a significant increase in power consumption. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from ambient lighting to task lighting.

Heat Management: The smaller size of the 2835 SMD means it doesn’t get as hot as larger chips, which can improve its lifespan and reliability. Lower operating temperatures are beneficial for maintaining the longevity and performance of LED lights.

Lifespan: The Sanan 2835 Chipset has a longer lifespan, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 hours, significantly outlasting the 10,000-hour lifespan of the Sanan 3.0-3.2V Chipset. 

The Risks of Inferior Chipsets

Using inferior chipsets can result in several issues, including:

Lower Brightness: Signs using these chipsets often appear dimmer, which can reduce visibility and impact, especially in outdoor settings.

Shorter Lifespan: These chipsets are more prone to overheating and failure, leading to a shorter overall lifespan for the sign.

Inconsistent Performance: Lower-quality chipsets can lead to inconsistent light output, with hotspots and uneven brightness that detract from the sign’s appearance.

Higher Maintenance Costs: Signs that fail prematurely or require frequent repairs can end up costing more in the long run, negating any initial savings from choosing a cheaper product.

Conclusion

Both LUMINEX™ and SPLICE™ LED Neon offer advanced solutions for neon signage, tailored to different applications. LUMINEX™ excels in indoor commercial environments, delivering exceptional brightness, precision, and flexibility for high-profile spaces. Meanwhile, SPLICE™ is the ideal choice for domestic and small business applications, providing a sleek, minimalist finish with the durability needed for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, SPLICE™ offers a cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers, without compromising on performance or style. Whether you're prioritising indoor brilliance or seeking a stylish, resilient, and budget-friendly solution for smaller spaces, Kings of Neon provides high-quality, custom neon signage designed to meet your unique needs.

Introduction

Neon signs are a fantastic way to add a pop of colour and personality to any space. Whether you’ve just purchased a new neon sign for your business, home, or event, or you’re looking to relocate an existing one, knowing how to properly hang it is crucial.

Proper installation ensures not only that your sign looks great but also that it’s safely and securely mounted. This guide will walk you through the steps to hang LED neon signs, covering the tools you’ll need, safety precautions, and best practices for a secure installation.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials. The specific tools you need will depend on whether you’re hanging a traditional neon sign or an LED neon sign.

• Screws and ceiling / wall anchors

• Measuring tape

• Pencil

• Level

• Drill with appropriate drill bits

• Screwdriver

• Mounting clips or brackets (if required)

Safety Precautions

Hanging a neon sign involves handling electrical components and, in the case of traditional neon signs, fragile glass tubes. Follow these safety precautions to avoid accidents:

Turn Off the Power: Before handling the sign, ensure that it is unplugged and the power is turned off. This prevents any electrical accidents while you’re installing the sign.

Wear Protective Gear: For traditional neon signs, wear protective gloves to prevent cuts from the glass tubes. Safety glasses are also recommended to protect your eyes.

Check the Weight: Ensure that the wall or surface where you plan to hang the sign can support its weight. For heavier signs, use heavy-duty hooks, brackets, or anchors to secure them.

Avoid Moisture: If you’re hanging the sign in a location that may be exposed to moisture, such as an outdoor space or a bathroom, ensure that the sign is rated for such environments and that all electrical components are properly insulated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging a Neon Sign

Choose the Location

Step 1: Choose the Ideal Location

Select the best spot to hang your neon sign by considering visibility, height, and the background where the sign will be displayed. Make sure the location allows for easy access to a power source, especially if the sign will be permanently plugged in. If needed, position the sign near hidden power outlets or manage cabling discreetly.

Step 2: Plan Power Access

Ensure power adaptors and LED controllers are kept out of sight to maintain a clean appearance. Ideal spots for hiding these components include ceiling cavities, secure boxes, or other areas free from foot traffic, ensuring safety and a neat look.

Step 3: Position for Maximum Impact

For optimal visibility, position the sign at eye level or slightly above. This makes the neon sign easily viewable while also enhancing its visual impact in the space.

Measure and Mark

Step 4: Measure the Installation Location

Use a measuring tape to determine the precise spot where you want to hang your neon sign. Ensure the chosen position aligns with your desired height and visibility. For larger signs, using a level at this stage will help ensure a straight, professional-looking installation.

Step 5: Mark the Mounting Points

Place the mounting bracket on the measured location and use it as a stencil. With a pencil, mark the spots where the screws or mounting hardware will go. Double-check the markings for alignment and accuracy before proceeding.

Drill Holes for Mounting

Step 6: Prepare for Heavy Signs or Tough Surfaces

If your neon sign is heavy or if you’re mounting it on a tough material like brick or concrete, you'll need to drill holes for wall anchors. These provide extra support, ensuring the sign stays securely in place.

Step 7: Drill the Holes

Using a drill, create holes at the points you marked in Step 5. For traditional neon signs, ensure the holes align with the mounting brackets or hooks. For LED neon signs, drill holes for mounting clips or brackets if adhesive strips aren’t being used. Double-check the alignment before drilling to ensure the sign will hang straight.

Install Anchors or Hooks

Step 8: Insert Wall or Ceiling Anchors

If necessary, insert wall or ceiling anchors into the drilled holes. This step is crucial for heavier signs or when mounting on surfaces like drywall, brick, or concrete, as the anchors provide additional support and prevent the hardware from loosening over time.

Step 9: Attach the Mounting Hardware

Screw the hooks, brackets, or mounting hardware into the anchors or directly into the wall. Ensure everything is securely fastened to support the weight of your neon sign. Double-check that the hardware is level and firmly attached before proceeding to the final installation step.

Mount the Neon Sign

Step 10: Position the LED Neon Sign on the Acrylic Backboard

Carefully lift the LED neon sign mounted on the acrylic backboard. Align the pre-drilled holes at the top, typically on the left and right sides, with the installed hooks or brackets.

Step 11: Secure the Sign

Once aligned, ensure the sign is level and well-distributed. Depending on your setup, the sign may be flush against a wall, free-hanging, or positioned behind a retail window. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure stability and proper alignment.

Connect to Power

Step 12: Connect the LED Sign and Controller to a Power Source

Once the LED neon sign is securely mounted, connect it to the LED controller. Ensure the controller is properly connected to both the sign and the power source. Then, plug the sign into a standard outlet. Double-check that all connections are secure, and position the power adaptor safely out of sight.

Step 13: Pair the Remote and Stow the Controller

Before storing the LED controller, pair the remote control with the sign according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once paired and tested, stow the controller in a safe location, such as a ceiling cavity, secure box, or an area away from foot traffic. Make sure all wiring is neatly organised and tucked away to complete the installation.

Test the Sign

Step 14: Test the Sign

Turn on the power to test your LED neon sign. Ensure that it lights up evenly with no flickering or dimming. Inspect the sign for any issues with brightness or alignment. If everything looks good, your sign is ready to shine! Enjoy your new display.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading Wall Anchors: Ensure the wall anchors or mounting hardware you use can support the weight of the sign. Using the wrong type or size of anchors can result in the sign falling and potentially breaking.

Incorrect Placement: Be sure to measure and mark the spots accurately. If the sign isn’t level, it can look unprofessional and may even strain the mounting hardware, increasing the risk of it coming loose over time.

Ignoring Power Source Location: Make sure the sign’s power cord can reach the nearest outlet without needing an extension cord, which can look messy or create a tripping hazard.

Poor Insulation: For outdoor installations, ensure that all electrical components are adequately insulated and weatherproof to prevent any damage from moisture or temperature changes.

Conclusion

Hanging an LED neon sign is a straightforward process when you take the time to prepare properly and follow the necessary safety precautions. By ensuring the sign is securely mounted, aligned, and correctly connected to power, you can confidently display your custom LED neon sign in any space. Whether it's mounted on a wall, hanging freely, or placed behind a window, following these steps will help guarantee that your sign not only looks great but also remains safe and durable for years to come.