“Are Neon Signs Dangerous?” is a common question that often leaves people uncertain when they’re considering buying one or adding a sign to their home or business. The truth is, neon signs have been lighting up streets, bars, and living spaces for decades — and when used correctly, they’re not only safe but also a timeless way to create atmosphere and style.
In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion, explain what really matters when it comes to neon sign safety, and show you why modern options like LED neon signs make the experience even safer, more efficient, and easier than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Neon signs are safe overall — but only if you know the smart safety habits.
- LED neon signs cut the risks even further, with no fragile glass or gases involved.
- Built for modern spaces, they’re energy-saving, durable, and easy to care for.
- Want extra peace of mind? Regular checkups and pro installation are the key.
- Neon Beer Signs offers custom solutions at the right price — the details might surprise you.
So, Are Neon Signs Dangerous?
The short answer to this question is: No, neon signs are not as dangerous as you think.
The fear comes from old-fashioned, traditional neon signs that used fragile glass tubes and high voltage. While most modern neon signs on the market are safe, our products at Neon Beer Signs are built with cutting-edge technology to ensure up to 95% safety.
LED neon signs are safe
Here’s why LED neon signs are safe:
- Low Voltage: Neon signs are low-voltage (12 volts), which means they produce very little heat. They are safe to touch, even after being on for a long time.
- No Glass: They are used a durable, flexible PVC tubing—not glass. This material is similar to a rubber tube, making it nearly impossible to smash open.
- Shatter-Resistant: The sign is mounted on a strong acrylic backing. In the event of an accident, the acrylic is the part most likely to crack, while the LED tubing remains intact and safe.
- Child-Friendly: Because they don’t shatter and are low-voltage, neon signs are a much safer option for spaces like a kid’s room, unlike traditional glass neon.
5 Common Myths About Neon Signs
Neon signs have long been a symbol of style and attraction—bright, eye-catching, and full of character. Yet, despite their popularity, neon signs are often misunderstood. Many people avoid them because of misconceptions that have circulated for years.
The truth is, neon signs are not as fragile, expensive, or unsafe as many assume. In fact, they are durable, versatile, and in many cases more energy-efficient than traditional lighting. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are five common myths about neon signs—debunked once and for all.
Myth 1: Neon Signs are a Fire Hazard
It’s easy to assume that a glowing electrical sign could be a fire risk, but this is one of the most common misconceptions. While traditional glass neon signs could get very hot due to their high voltage, modern LED neon signs are a different story. They operate on a much lower voltage (just 12V), producing very little heat. The materials we use are designed to be fire-resistant, so you can leave your sign on for hours without any concern about it overheating.
Myth 2: Neon Signs Contain Toxic Chemicals
This fear is often linked to the idea of glass tubes and colorful gasses. The truth is, the gasses used in classic neon signs—like neon and argon—are naturally occurring, non-toxic elements found in the air we breathe. While some older argon tubes might have tiny traces of mercury vapor (the same kind found in fluorescent lights at home), this is only a concern if the glass breaks. Our modern LED neon signs completely bypass this issue by not using any gasses or mercury at all.
Myth 3: You’ll Get an Electric Shock if You Touch a Neon Sign
We’ve all seen those dramatic movie scenes where a character gets a jolt from a faulty neon sign. That was a reality with old, high-voltage signs. However, today’s neon signs are built with safety as a top priority. They are grounded and use over-voltage protection to ensure they are safe to touch and use. Our custom neon signs operate at a mere 12 volts, a voltage so low that it poses no shock risk whatsoever.
Myth 4: All Neon Signs Are Dangerous for the Environment
Given the name “neon signs,” many assume they are a wasteful, energy-guzzling product. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern LED neon signs are incredibly energy-efficient, consuming less power than a standard light bulb (typically under 100 watts). This not only reduces your electricity bill but also lowers your carbon footprint. Plus, the components of an LED sign, including the PVC tubing and acrylic backing, can be recycled.
Myth 5: LED Signs Are Always Better Than Classic Neon
While we believe LED technology is the superior choice for safety, efficiency, and durability, it’s a myth that LED signs are better in every single way. Some people are drawn to the nostalgic, vintage glow of traditional neon, which has a distinct, continuous light. However, with modern innovations, our flexible LED neon tubing creates a smooth, unbroken line of light that perfectly mimics classic neon. This means you get the best of both worlds: the iconic look you love with all the benefits of safer, more robust, and longer-lasting technology.
16 Safety Tips Every Neon Sign Owner Should Know
Neon signs are iconic, eye-catching, and timeless. From vintage diners and buzzing bars to cozy living rooms and man caves, they’ve been a symbol of style and personality for decades. But whenever electricity, glass, and gas are involved, questions about safety naturally come up.
The good news? With the right precautions, neon signs — and especially modern LED neon lights — are perfectly safe to use in homes and businesses. Still, it’s important to understand how to handle, install, and maintain them so you can enjoy the glow without worrying about risks.
Below are 16 essential neon sign safety tips every owner should know. Whether you’re considering your first purchase or already have a few glowing in your space, these guidelines will help you keep things safe, stylish, and long-lasting.
1. Start With LED Neon Signs for Peace of Mind
Traditional neon signs use fragile glass tubes filled with gas, which can break if mishandled. LED neon signs, on the other hand, are made from flexible tubing, run cooler, and don’t rely on gas. This makes them not only safer but also more eco-friendly.
They’re also energy-efficient, lasting tens of thousands of hours while consuming far less electricity. For homeowners, families, or business owners who want both safety and savings, LED neon is the smarter choice.
2. Mount Your Neon Signs the Right Way
A neon sign is only as safe as the way it’s hung. Using the wrong screws, weak brackets, or unstable walls can put your sign — and anyone nearby — at risk. A poorly mounted sign could fall, shatter, or even damage electrical wiring.
Always use heavy-duty mounting hardware recommended by the manufacturer. If your sign is large or being installed in a commercial space, consider hiring professionals to mount it securely to a wall or structure that can support its weight.
3. Keep Neon Signs Away From Water
Moisture and electricity should never mix. Placing a neon sign in a damp bathroom, near a pool, or outdoors without waterproof casing creates unnecessary risks. Water can corrode wiring, damage tubing, and in the worst case, cause an electrical shock.
If you want neon outdoors, choose weatherproof LED neon signs designed for exterior use. They’re built to withstand rain and humidity, giving you the glow without the hazard.
4. Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
Power outlets have limits. Plugging multiple high-wattage devices into a single socket increases the chance of overheating and even fire. Neon signs may not consume huge amounts of electricity, but combining them with other appliances in the same socket can overload circuits.
Check the voltage requirements of your sign and your outlet’s rating. If you’re not sure, ask an electrician to help you set up a safe circuit for your display.
5. Inspect Your Signs Regularly
Routine inspections can catch small problems before they turn into big risks. Check your sign for:
- Cracks in the tubing
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Loose wires or connectors
- Strange buzzing noises
By spotting early warning signs, you can repair or replace parts before they cause hazards. Think of it as a regular health check for your neon.
6. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items
Curtains, paper, or cluttered décor should never be too close to a neon light. Even though LED neon runs cooler, traditional signs can still heat up after long use. Keeping your sign in a clear, ventilated area not only prevents fire risks but also helps it glow more evenly.
7. Make Neon Child-Safe
Children are naturally curious, and glowing signs are especially tempting. But neon signs often involve high voltage, fragile parts, and sharp edges if broken. To keep kids safe:
- Mount signs out of their reach
- Avoid placing them in playrooms
- Teach older children not to touch electrical displays
- This small precaution can prevent serious accidents.
8. Switch Off When Not in Use
Leaving your neon sign running all night might look cool, but it wears out the components faster and raises the risk of overheating. Switching off your sign when you’re not around saves energy, extends the lifespan of your display, and gives you peace of mind.
9. Hire Professionals for Installation
A DIY setup may seem like a money-saver, but improper wiring or insecure hanging can create bigger problems down the road. A professional installer ensures your sign is grounded correctly, mounted safely, and wired for long-term use.
It’s a small upfront cost that pays off in reliability and safety.
10. Stay Alert During Everyday Use
If you notice unusual flickers, a buzzing sound, or warmth from the plug, don’t ignore it. These could be signs of electrical issues. Staying alert means catching small problems before they become expensive or dangerous.
11. Handle Broken Signs Carefully
If your neon sign ever falls or gets cracked, treat it seriously. Immediately unplug the sign, wear gloves to handle broken glass, and dispose of sharp shards properly. Don’t try to repair broken tubes yourself — call a neon technician or replace the unit entirely.
12. Be Ready for Electric Shock Situations
Electric shocks are rare, but they can happen if wiring is faulty or insulation is damaged. If someone experiences a shock, unplug the sign immediately and call emergency services. Administer first aid if necessary and never attempt to replug the sign until it has been inspected.
13. Understand Neon Gas Safety
Traditional neon signs use gases like neon or argon. If tubes break, these gases may leak. Though usually not fatal, prolonged exposure could cause dizziness, headaches, or nausea. If you suspect gas exposure, ventilate the space, unplug the sign, and seek medical attention.
14. Be Fire-Prepared
While neon fires are rare, they’re not impossible. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in a commercial space with multiple neon displays. If a fire occurs, shut off power, extinguish small flames safely, and call emergency responders for larger hazards.
15. Store and Transport With Care
Moving a neon sign without proper protection is asking for trouble. Glass tubes can crack under pressure or impact. Use padded packaging, keep the sign upright, and avoid stacking other items on top of it.
This applies whether you’re moving homes or shipping neon signs to customers.
16. Buy From Trusted Brands Like Neon Beer Signs
The most important safety tip? Start with a sign built to last. Not all neon products are created equal. Low-quality signs may use unsafe wiring, thin glass, or poor insulation.
By choosing a trusted supplier such as Neon Beer Signs, you get custom designs made from premium materials, with safety and performance in mind. Every piece is crafted to meet modern standards, ensuring your sign is not just stylish but also reliable.
FAQs
1. Can neon signs explode?
Almost never—only if badly damaged or poorly made.
2. Can neon signs cause electric shock?
Only if wiring is exposed or installation is faulty.
3. How to check if a new sign is broken and unsafe to use?
Look for cracks, flickering, odd smells, or overheating.
4. Can neon lights hurt your eyes?
Not really—just avoid staring too long at bright light.
5. Can you leave neon signs on 24/7 or is it dangerous?
Yes, but turning them off saves energy and wear.
6. Are neon signs safe for your home?
Yes, if properly installed and kept dry.
7. Are neon signs safe for your bedroom?
Yes, but keep away from flammable fabrics and sleep comfort.
8. Are neon signs safe for your bathroom?
Not ideal unless designed for damp spaces.
9. Are neon signs safe for your outdoor garden or patio?
Yes, if rated waterproof for outdoor use.
10. Are neon signs safe for your kitchen?
Yes, if placed away from heat, grease, and water.
Final Thoughts
Now, the question “Are neon signs dangerous?” doesn’t have to be a worry anymore. With the right precautions and smart choices, your neon sign can stay safe, stunning, and long-lasting. And when you’re ready to light up your space with peace of mind, Neon Beer Signs’ custom neon lights are here—crafted for safety, durability, and effortless style.
And if you’re ready to take the next step, explore Neon Beer Signs’ exclusive collection of custom LED neon lights. Designed with safety, durability, and style at the core, they’re the perfect way to brighten your space without compromise.
Light up your world safely — with Neon Beer Signs.