How does SpellBrite stack up against neon and LED “Dot” signs?

•  
• SpellBrite LED
• Glass Neon
• Fixed "Dot" LED

• Brightness
• • Ultra-Bright LEDs
  • Convex waveguide for 180 degree viewing
  • Stays bright even in direct sunlight
• • Brightness varies greatly depending upon the quality of gases, glass and electronics
  • Many will "wash-out" in direct sunlight
• • Brightness varies based upon the quality of the LEDs used
  • Many manufacturers "overdrive" their LEDs – makes them brighter initially but reduces later light level and overall lifetime
  • "Washes out" in direct sunlight

• Interchangeability
• • Letters, numbers and special characters are fully interchangeable
  • The message can be changed anytime
• • Not interchangeable
• • Not interchangeable

• Style & Design
• • Crisp, professional look
  • Injection molded design allows for easily readable, modern font style
  • Light path is illuminated evenly, even at ends and angles
• • Neon signs are inherently rough approximations of the intended look
  • Meaningful portions of the neon tube are often unattractively covered in black paint or tape
  • Ends and bends can be dimmer than the rest of the sign
• • Not smooth, each individual LED dot can be seen
  • Pixelated look is not perceived as attractive or professional

• Safety
• • Can be placed within customer reach
  • Cool to the touch
  • UL listed, low voltage design (12V)
  • No glass, gasses or dangerous chemicals
• • Glass tube construction
  • 8,000 - 20,000 volts
  • Outlawed in many municipalities
• • Many "dot" signs are designed and engineered overseas
  • Typically 12-24 volt
  • Check for UL Listing

• Repairability
• • SpellBrite is a modular system. All letters and characters are interchangeable
  • A sign with an issue can be easily fixed by replacing only the letter or character that is broken
• • Repair of a broken component often more expensive than the sign itself
  • Local neon repair shops are difficult to find
  • Shipping broken neon signs for service is often costly and risks further breakage
• • Not modular
  • Entire sign must be replaced if one section burns out

• Durability
• • Housed in ABS plastic and impact resistant acrylic
  • Broken letters/characters can be removed and replaced
• • Entire sections of the sign will not illuminate if glass tube is cracked anywhere
  • Repair may cost more than a whole new sign
• • Durability varies by manufacturer
  • Entire sign must be replaced if one section burns out

• Longevity
• • Long life LEDs rated for 40,000 to 80,000 hours
• • Average life is 20,000 - 30,000 hours
  • Low quality, high voltage transformers may need replacement frequently
• • Some manufacturers "overdrive" their LEDs, causing damage and reduced LED life
  • Many "all sales final" terms
  • Check warranty terms. Many ship from overseas locations

• Cleaning & Maintenance
• • Easy to clean
  • No exposed electronics
  • No sharp edges
• • Glass tube twists and bends difficult to clean
  • Many signs are broken during cleaning
• • Face panel often made of cardboard, can't get wet
  • Some have openings around each LED
  • Danger of fluids, insects and objects getting inside of sign

• Mounting Method & Structure
• • No electrician required, can install it yourself
  • Lightweight design can hang from chains, mount to a wall, or rest on a counter
  • See-through, open-frame design
• • Often installed by licensed sign shop or electrician due to weight and high voltage
  • Glass tube usually mounted to plastic board or metal cage
  • Obtrusive support structure
• • Typically mounted in a black box
  • Obtrusive support structure

• Energy Usage
• • Low power consumption, low voltage design
  • Can be powered by a 12V battery pack or vehicle
  • Up to 22 letters may use less power than a 40W incandescent light bulb
• • High power consumption
  • Neon uses over 3X the power of a comparable SpellBrite sign
• • Low power consumption, low voltage design
  • Most don't have a battery pack / portable power option

• Animation
• • Features 7 animation and 6 dimmer options
  • Rows can be controlled separately to highlight specific parts of the message
• • Most do not contain animation and limited to on/off flashing
• • Some contain animation
  • Most do not contain dimmer control