How to Connect a Flex LED Neon

“How to connect a neon to 220V”, “How to install an LED neon”, “How to connect a Flex neon”, etc. Many of you reach out to us daily with questions about installing our custom neon signs, custom neon letters, or any of our designs available in the store. Can I use batteries in series? Is it possible to connect an external battery for power? Or is it better to use a plug? These are the questions we will address throughout this article.

Explaining the functionality of our custom neon signs

Before diving into the details, it’s essential to understand how our products work. What are neon lights and how do they work is something we’ve covered in other articles, but what unique features does this technology have?

Firstly, our neon signs operate at 12V and require a power supply that converts to 220 or 230V to provide the necessary power. In other words, any method we use to power a Flex LED neon must deliver those 12V for proper operation. But that’s not all.

For those who wish to conceal the power supply of the sign, it’s important to note that a cable will extend from the neon to connect to the mentioned power source. This aspect allows little flexibility, so we must find ways to hide this cable if we don’t want it to be visible to the public.

How to Connect a Neon Sign to 220V

Connecting a Flex neon to the power supply is quite straightforward and not much different from connecting any conventional LED strip. Alongside the cable that comes with our products, a transformer is included so you can plug it directly into a standard European socket.

Each of our signs includes a 1.5-meter transparent cable, allowing you to place your neon sign away from a power outlet, giving you more flexibility when installing it on the wall. In other words, it won’t be visible at first glance, but if you want the cable to be completely hidden, you’ll need to conceal it within the wall, either by drilling a couple of strategically placed holes or by installing an outlet right next to the sign.

Our recommendation? Connect it directly to the mains to eliminate the need for power or recharging. However, we understand this isn’t always feasible, so below we will address a couple of questions related to your requests.

Can I use battery-powered neon lights?

It’s probably the question you’ve asked us the most. Technically, it’s possible; in fact, some stores claim their designs can be used solely with batteries. However, this is only half true.

Common batteries, such as AA or AAA, typically provide a voltage of 1.5V. To power a device that requires 12V, like a neon sign, you would need to connect several batteries in series to reach that voltage. In this case, you would need to connect eight 1.5V batteries.

This is only recommended for neon signs with dimensions under 30 centimeters. Why? Practicality. As the size increases, the lighting demands more power, which would mean constantly changing batteries since the light intensity would diminish after just a few hours or minutes. Not to mention the economic aspect.

Is it possible to use a Flex neon with a rechargeable battery?

Affirmative. In fact, it’s the alternative we at Space Neon recommend over using batteries in series. Firstly, for simplicity and practicality. And secondly, for cost-efficiency.

If we are going to use the neon sign occasionally, for instance, during a podcast recording, in a music studio, or just a couple of nights a week, it’s the simplest option if we don’t have a power outlet nearby. However, its autonomy will largely depend on the capacity.

Rechargeable batteries are now available in various capacities, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) or amp-hours (Ah). The battery capacity determines how long it can power the neon before needing a recharge. Keep in mind that smaller neon signs require less energy and can operate with lower capacity batteries. Conversely, larger neon signs need higher capacity batteries to ensure extended operating time.

Below, we provide some reference figures based on the intended use, as well as the size of the neon sign and battery capacity:

1. Batteries from 1,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh:
   • Application: small neon signs (less than 30 cm).
   • Estimated duration: between 1 and 5 hours, depending on the neon’s efficiency and battery capacity.
   • Advantages: lightweight and portable.
   • Disadvantages: require frequent recharges if the neon is used for extended periods.
2. Batteries from 5,000 mAh to 10,000 mAh:
   • Application: medium neon signs (30-60 cm).
   • Estimated duration: between 5 and 10 hours.
   • Advantages: excellent balance between capacity and size.
   • Disadvantages: slightly increases weight and volume.
3. Batteries from 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh:
   • Application: large neon signs (over 60 cm).
   • Estimated duration: between 10 and 20 hours.
   • Benefits: extended operating time.
   • Disadvantages: larger size and weight, reduced portability.
4. Batteries over 20,000 mAh:
   • Application: extended use and large neon signs.
   • Estimated duration: over 20 hours.
   • Advantages: continuous operation for extended periods.
   • Disadvantages: significantly bulkier and heavier, less practical for mobile use.

How to Connect a Rechargeable Battery to an LED Flex Neon

The process, as we mentioned several paragraphs ago, is not very different from any other device that relies on external power. The steps can be summarized in four:

1. Ensure that the rechargeable battery has a 12V output compatible with the Flex LED neon.
2. Charge the battery fully before first use to ensure maximum operating time.
3. Connect the neon to the battery following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. If the neon is for a permanent installation, explore options to conceal the battery or integrate it aesthetically into the environment.