Do Neon Signs Get Hot? Safety Tips & Facts

Neon signs are the norm nowadays. You can’t walk past a street without coming across one glowing in a shop, bar, or even a studio. Maybe you’ve seen one in your mate’s gaming space. You’ve probably been thinking about adding one to your space, but the question, “Do neon signs get hot?” is holding you back. Well, that’s a fair question. 

They appear bright, almost fiery, like they might sizzle if you got too close. But the good thing about them is, they’re not as scorching as they look. Still, they’re not completely cool either. They’re somewhere in between. Like a cup of tea you forgot about; warm, not dangerous, but not something you’d want to grip for too long.

Here, we unpack everything you should know about neon sign safety; how warm they can get, actually, and whether modern versions are better. We’ll also share a couple of safety tips so you can freely enjoy that glow without the worries of getting burnt. 

What Actually Makes Neon Signs Glow?

Before we talk heat, quick science detour, but don’t worry, nothing too textbook-heavy. In the case of traditional neon signs, their mode of operation mainly depends on a noble gas like neon or argon. When a high voltage electric current passes through the glass tube filled with the gas, it lights up. That’s the brilliance you actually see. Sounds simple, right? And it is, mostly. 

But electricity flowing through anything tends to create heat. Not a bonfire situation, but enough warmth to notice if you touch it. Considering it’s high-voltage electricity, the glass tube can get pretty hot, such that you can’t touch it with your bare hands for long. 

Now, let’s switch sides to LED neon signs. Do LED neon signs get hot? These are technologically enhanced. They ditch the glass tube and the gas. Instead, they rely on flexible LED strips wrapped in silicone. Same vibe, different tech. And that difference? It matters a lot when we talk about temperature.

So… Do Neon Signs Actually Get Hot?

Yes, they do. But not dangerously so. The traditional glass-tube neon sign is built in a way that it can disperse the heat safely. Even though the tube feels warm or even hot to the touch, it shouldn’t cause burns. Provided everything is working okay. 

It’s like touching a light bulb that’s been on for some time. Yes, the heat will be apparent, and you may even pull your hand instinctively. But you won’t rush to cool it under cold water. Again, that is if every aspect of the neon sign functions as it should. 

But as they get older or are poorly maintained, neon signs can become hotter than they usually are. Other factors like dust build-up, ageing components, or faulty wiring can also make it even hotter. 

So yes, neon signs do get hot. But usually in a controlled, safe manner. 

How Hot Can a Neon Sign Get?

That’s the next question you’d need answers for. This can help you know the best and worst spots to hang your neon signs. Normally, when someone asks, “How hot do neon signs get?” they’re usually imagining the extreme. Like the same level as a hot frying pan. But that’s not it. 

The glass surface of a glass neon sign usually ranges between 40 °C and 60 °C. That’s noticeable warmth, but not alarming. However, the transformer (the part that steps up voltage) can get way hotter. Especially if it’s working too hard or installed in a tight space. 

Overheating is often a result of several issues:

• Neon sign exposed to high environmental temperatures. For instance, if it’s installed in a hot room or outdoors with direct exposure to the sun, it can get pretty hot. 
• Electrical malfunctions. Usually, the transformer is the biggest generator of heat. So, if it’s malfunctioning, the amount of heat dissipated can increase tremendously. 
• Excessive operation. When a neon sign is ever on, 24/7, it can lead to more heat being produced.  It can be switched off during the day and on at night, so it gets sufficient time to cool off. 
• Poor ventilation. Again, if the space it’s installed in has poor air circulation, heat buildup will happen faster. 

Now you know the answer to the question, “Do neon signs get hot?” But what’s the repercussion? Risk of burns, obviously. It can also lead to color distortion, reduced brightness, and, in other cases, damage to the glass when temperatures get extreme. 

The best way to mitigate these risks is to stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Another way is to switch to the more energy-efficient LED neon signs. 

How Hot Can LED Neon Signs Get?

Now, LED neon signs tell a different story as far as producing heat is concerned. So, if you’re wondering, do LED neon signs get hot? The answer is barely. That’s because they don’t have that energy-guzzling transformer that churns out heat. Okay, fine, they give off some heat (every electrical item or equipment does), but it’s barely noticeable. You can touch an LED neon sign that’s been on for hours without the worry of getting burned. But why is that so?

Because they’re way more energy efficient compared to their glass-tube counterparts. And when less energy goes to waste, less heat is dissipated. This is partly the reason why LED neon signs have grown in popularity. They’re safer for children’s rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, pet spaces, and more. 

So, if you’re considering mounting a neon sign in your home with kids and pets, where heat is a concern, then LED is the answer. Whether the space has proper ventilation or is already warm, no worries with the LED neon sign. They produce virtually no heat, even when they’ve been left on all night long. 

Are Neon Signs Safe to Touch?

Even for grown-ups, curiosity sometimes tends to win. You see a tube glowing with amazing colors, and suddenly you start thinking, “Can I feel it?” In the case of kids, it’s no question; they’ll touch it without a second thought. 

With a glass-tube neon sign, yes, you can touch it, but cautiously. In fact, it’s not recommended if it’s been on for a while. Even if the surface feels warm, repeated contact can increase the risk of burns. Plus, glass tubes are fragile. One knock, and you’ve got a different problem entirely. 

But in the case of LED neon signs, they’re much more forgiving. They’re housed in durable silicone or plastic that’s not as fragile as glass. They also give off minimal heat, which means less risk and zero stress.  

Safety Tips for Handling Neon Signs At Home

Do neon signs get hot? They certainly do, and that calls for proper ways of handling them at home, especially if you have pets and kids playing around. 

1. Give the Neon Sign Some Breathing Space

Traditional neon signs are not suited for corners or tight spaces. All the heat produced needs to escape, so corners tend to trap most of it. Instead, mount the sign on a wall with plenty of space around for heat to escape into. 

2. Keep Flammable Materials Far From It

These include paper decorations, curtains, wooden shelves… Just anything that can easily catch fire. Even if the heat produced is mild, you don’t want it pressed against anything flammable. 

3. heck the Wiring

When connections are loose or the cables are dodgy, the risk of overheating increases. Inspect the wiring from time to time, and if something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Have it checked by a qualified electrician.

4. Keep it Clean

Dust and other debris settling on the neon sign might seem harmless. But these trap heat, causing overheating. Always do a proper cleaning routine to ensure the tube is free of dust.

5. Go for Quality Products 

It may appear as if you’re saving a few hundred dollars when you go for a cheap product. But such neon signs are built poorly by cutting corners around safety. A quality sign will uphold high standards of safety, therefore minimizing the risks of danger. 

When Should You Be Concerned?

Neon signs do give off heat. But how do you tell the heat produced is at an abnormal level that raises concern? Here are a few things to pay attention to:

• When the sign gets unusually hot. Not just warm. You can notice this by just standing next to the sign. 
• When you notice the smell of something burning.
• The transformer produces a loud buzzing sound with lots of heat.
• When the neon sign is flickering inconsistently. 

If any of these issues pop up, switch it off and get it checked. Don’t try to “wait it out.” Electrical issues rarely fix themselves.

How Safe Are Neon Signs with Australian Conditions?

Australia throws a bit of everything at us: heatwaves, humidity, coastal air. All of it can affect how your sign performs. If you’re in hotter cities like Brisbane and Perth, a neon sign can feel much warmer simply because the surrounding air is already warm. But that shouldn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. 

However, it simply means that ventilation becomes even more important. If you’re planning to install a neon sign outdoors or in a space without air conditioning, consider the following:

• Go for weather-resistant neon sign designs
• Mount it properly, away from direct sunlight.
•  Do regular checks for wear and tear before they cause problems.

If that sounds like too much work for you, consider installing LED neon signs instead. They’re great at handling Australian heat. They need little to no maintenance and last longer. Just ensure it comes in a weather-resistant casing. 

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the big question, “Do neon signs get hot?” Yes, they do. But not in a way that should cause concern if all is properly set. Traditional glass neon signs are usually warm, and sometimes mildly hot, though within safe limits. 

On the other hand, LED neon signs are even better. They remain cool all the time and will make heat a non-issue. So, if you’re installing the sign in a space where heating is a concern, like your home, you’re better off with LED neon signs. 

Ready to see what an LED neon sign would look like in your space? Use this free design tool to customize the glow, font, and size to what feels like you.