NEON SAFETY CONCERNS ANSWERED: HIGH VOLTAGE

Neon signage is incredibly safe to use, providing it is well looked after and treated with respect. A common concern regarding neon that we get asked here at A1DeSIGNS relates to the fact that because neon is high voltage… it might be dangerous. Let us look into this and explain that in fact – WHEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY, IT IS NO MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHER HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES. Here’s why… When installed correctly the voltage from a neon sign is insulated from being touched. If contact is made with a live connection, transformers generally have protection devices that switch the unit off. Neon is generally classed as high voltage (above 990v), but the current is low on a neon transformer, in the milliamp (mA) range usually around 18-20mA. The socket in your house although only 240v can be as high as 30amps 30,000mA of current. Voltage makes less of a difference in the case of an electric shock, whereas current makes a massive difference, for example static electricity is in the range of 25,000 – 35,000 Volts, but the current (measured in mJoules) is extremely low and not constant. Current has the following effect on the body At 20-75mA of current someone would receive a painful jolt and loss of muscle control. At 75-100mA of current, ventricular fibrillation of the heart can occur (uncoordinated twitching of ventricles). At 100-200mA of current, ventricular fibrillation occurs, often resulting in death. At over 200mA of current, severe burns and severe muscle contractions occur and internal organs can be damaged and the heart can stop due to chest muscles applying pressure. However, this clamping effect can prevent ventricular fibrillation, greatly improving the chances of survival if the victim is removed from the electrical circuit. We hope you found this post helpful? Check out more of our neon articles here. And please drop us a line if you’d like to chat about any of the details we’ve covered or to find out more about how our variety of neon signs can help your business.

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