How much electricity does an LED neon sign use?
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An LED neon sign uses about 6–10 watts per metre of neon flex. Lettering 100 cm wide with around 2–3 m of flex comes to 15–30 watts, which is under 1 cent per hour at 30 cents/kWh. Five hours a day costs around 10–15 euros a year. Glass neon needs several times as much for the same sign.
Worked examples
| Sign | Neon flex approx. | Power approx. | Cost at 5 h/day, €0.30/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name, 50 cm | 1–1.5 m | 8–15 W | €4–8 per year |
| Lettering, 100 cm | 2–3 m | 15–30 W | €8–16 per year |
| Logo, 150 cm | 4–6 m | 30–60 W | €16–33 per year |
The exact wattage is stated on your sign's power supply. Dimmed to 70%, consumption falls accordingly.
Why LED neon is so economical
LED chips convert most of the energy into light, not heat. The sign runs on 12 volts from a plug-in power supply, like a desk lamp. Glass neon, by contrast, needs a transformer delivering several thousand volts and gets warm; for a comparable size its consumption is considerably higher, and the transformer draws power even when idle.
Continuous use in a shop or shop window
A 100 cm sign lit for 12 hours a day costs around 20–40 euros in electricity a year. With a timer or a smart plug it only runs when customers can see it. For businesses, the label on the power supply with its wattage rating is also what your electrician will work from if you run several signs on one circuit.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sign get warm?
Hardly. The silicone tube stays barely warm to the touch and the power supply gets slightly warm. That is why the sign can also hang in a child's room.
Can I leave the sign on all night?
Yes. Dimmed as a night light, it uses just a few watts.
Do I need a dedicated socket?
No, a normal household socket or a plug adapter is enough; on small signs the power supply draws less than a phone charger on fast charge.