Types of Neon for Outdoors: IP Ratings, UV-Resistant Tubing, and Power Options

So you want to put a neon sign outside? That's awesome! You’re making a good choice! Neon can make your storefront, house, patio or anything look absolutely beautiful! But before making a decision, you should make sure that you are ready to own a neon sign the right way!

If you choose the wrong type of neon, rain, sun, wind or dust might make them dull and worn out. We don’t want that, right? But we have good news! Choosing the right outdoor neon is not hard at all once you know what to look for and we are here to help!

Let's talk about the things that matter the most! 

What Are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter?

Let us tell you what IP ratings are! Basically, IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a rating system that tells you how well something is sealed against dust and water. If you are getting an outdoor neon, it’s super important for you to check the IP ratings! 

If you haven’t noticed yet, you will usually see two numbers after IP. The first number is about dust protection and the second tells you about water. We recommend at least IP65 if you want to buy  For outdoor signs, you want at least IP65. This would mean that your sign is dust-tight and can handle water jets from any direction. If you think that your sign is going somewhere really exposed, like near a pool then go for IP67. It will give you even better protection!  

Groovy Neon Signs  that offer outdoor-rated products with solid IP ratings. Always double check the specs before buying!

Why UV-Resistant Tubing Is a Must

You should consider that UV rays are very harsh on materials, especially the colored neon signs. So if your neon sign doesn’t have UV resistance, they will start to fade and we don’t want that! Even worse, UV exposure might make your sign crack over time. It will affect the safety of your sign so keep a check on that! 

Good outdoor neon uses silicone tubing with UV protection or special coatings that block those harmful rays. This keeps your colours bright and your sign flexible and safe for years.

Groovy Neon Signs uses UV-resistant tubing in their outdoor signs, so you don't have to worry about your investment fading away. It's one of those features that might seem small but makes a huge difference in the long run.

Power Options for Outdoor Neon

Let's talk about power. Outdoor neon almost always uses low-voltage LED technology. This is way safer than old-school high-voltage neon, especially when moisture is involved. Low-voltage systems are also way more energy-efficient, so you're not running up a huge electricity bill.

But here's the catch: your power supply needs to be weatherproof too. A regular indoor adapter won't cut it outside. You need a power supply with the same level of protection as your sign, ideally IP65 or higher.

Think about where you'll place the power supply. It should be in a sheltered spot, like under an eave or inside a weatherproof box. If you need to run an extension, make sure all connectors and cables are rated for outdoor use. Water getting into connections is one of the most common ways outdoor signs fail.

Groovy Neon Signs offers outdoor-compatible power solutions that match their signs perfectly. Other brands have similar setups, just make sure everything in your system is designed for the outdoors, not just the sign itself.

Verdict!

Choosing outdoor neon isn't just about picking something that looks cool. You need to think about how it'll hold up against weather, sun, and time. That means checking three key things:

First, make sure your sign has a proper IP rating, at least IP65 for most outdoor spots. Second, confirm the tubing is UV-resistant so your colours stay vibrant. Third, use low-voltage LED neon with weatherproof power supplies and outdoor-rated components.

When you get all three right, you'll have a sign that looks amazing and lasts for years without constant repairs or replacements.

Groovy Neon Signs specialise in outdoor-ready neon that's built to last. Your outdoor space deserves signage that can keep up with whatever nature throws at it.