How do LED neon signs get their power?

LED neon signs are powered by electricity passed through a flexible strip of plastic containing LED lights, often called LED neon flex. Unlike traditional neon signs, LED neon signs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a similar glow with less heat.

What kind of power supply is used for LED neon signs?

Our LED neon signs can run on our power supply, plugged into a regular power point. The power supply is a step-down power supply; it limits the output from the powerpoint to 12v or 24v - depending on the size of the sign. When using AC power, the signs run on 120v and require an external transformer to step down the voltage (we include this with all our LED neon signs) to a safer level, usually around 12v, for operation.

Do I need to plug in LED neon signs?

Yes, most LED neon signs must be plugged into a power point to work. However, battery pack options are available for smaller signs, lights, and lamps if plugging in is not convenient.

Do LED neon signs use a lot of electricity?

No, LED neon signs are very energy efficient. They are 80% more efficient than traditional neon signs. For example, a typical LED neon sign might use 150w, whereas traditional fluorescent and neon glass signs might use 610w and 400w for the same lighting effect. So, LED neon signs use much less power.

Neon Power Supply, Dimmers & Plugs - Specifications and Guide

Neon Power Supply, Plugs & Dimmers

June 17, 2024 Chris Diprose

Are you unsure what neon power supply you need for your neon sign?

I created this article to help our customers with questions about the neon power supply, adaptors, and dimmers that we use.

I will explain how to connect the wires to the dimmer, power supply, and wall power outlet.

The amount of LED neon flex used in the neon sign dictates the power supply size.
A neon power supply is a transformer that converts the power outlet 120v to 12v/24v.
A dimmer is connected between the sign and the power supply that controls the brightness.
Connection instructions are provided with all orders.

Let's dive in.

Components of an LED Neon Sign & Connection to the Power Outlet

LED neon signs are made up of the following major components:

LED neon flex - This is the flexible strip of LED lights. We measure the amount of LED neon flex in a neon sign, which informs the power requirements.
Backboard - The LED neon flex is attached to this and forms a rigid base.
Dimmer/Controller - This box is the receiver for the remote control, and it controls the brightness of the LED neon flex.
Power Supply - This is a step-down transformer that converts the wall outlet electricity into a lower level of power, appropriate for the LED neon flex to use. LED neon flex needs 12v or 24v electricity, and the power outlet in the USA is 120v, so it has to be stepped down and converted to lower power.

How do I connect a neon sign to the power outlet?

The below diagram shows how to connect a neon sign.

Shows how to connect a neon sign to the dimmer, power supply and power outlet on the wall

It shows the components of a neon sign and how to connect everything together.

How the power supply, dimmer and controller and LED neon flex are connected

More detailed picture - Shows how the neon power supply, dimmer, and controller.

Neon Power Supply - Power Requirements & Options

The amount of a power a neon sign requires will vary based on the size and amount of LED neon flex used - The larger the neon sign, the more LED neon flex is required and therefore it will require more electricity.

Voltage: LED neon signs require a voltage between 12 and 24 volts, a standard low voltage. The voltage requirements depend on the sign's design, length, and configuration.

Power Consumption: LED neon signs are energy efficient, 1.2 watts per foot (15 times more efficient than traditional neon signs). A standard LED neon sign is 120 to 150 watts.

All of our power supplies are UL-tested and exceed all standards for electrical safety in the United States.

We have several indoor power supplies we use - they vary in power output, so I've broken them down into three sizes:

Small

Typically used on small-size neon signs - this neon power supply is appropriate for signs needing less than 120 watts, usually from 15" to 35" wide, and with less than 75' of LED neon flex.

Neon power supply is appropriate for small neon signs with less than 75 feet of LED neon flex, and it handles 120 watts of power.

Medium

Typially used on medium-size neon signs - this neon power supply is appropriate for signs needing less than 150 watts, usually from to 25" to 45" wide, with 75' to 150' of LED neon flex. There is a crossover in width, but the amount of LED neon flex is the critical factor.

Neon power supply appropriate for medium neon signs with 75 to 150 feet of LED neon flex - handles 150 watts of power.

Large

This is our largest neon power supply and is appropriate for signs needing greater than 150 watts, usually from 40" to 250"+ wide, with over 150' of LED neon flex.

Neon power supply appropriate for a large neon sign with over 150 feet of LED neon flex - handles 350 watts of power - it can be daisy-chained.

Outdoor Power Supply

The above power supplies are all for indoor use. We do have weatherproof options for outdoor use and are capable of handling the most extreme weather. Like the indoor power supplies, we have varying sizes and match the size to suit the neon sign.

Power Outlet Plugs

The plug cord has a universal adaptor at one end, which plugs into the power supply, and a plug at the other end, which matches your region's power outlet (wall) plug.

Below are our four most popular regions - USA, UK, Europe and Australia.

The adaptor we provided in your order will match your region's power plug and outlet.

United States of America (USA) Standard Plug

United Kingdom (UK) Standard Plug

European (EU) Standard Plug

Australia (AU) Standard Plug

Dimmers & Controllers

Depending on the size of the sign, we choose the appropriate size dimmer to suit it.

Small

This dimmer is for small-sized neon signs.

PDF spec - Specification for Dimmer for Small Neon Signs

Medium

This dimmer is for medium-sized neon signs.

PDF spec - Specification for Dimmer for Medium Neon Signs

Large

This dimmer is for large-sized neon signs.

PDF - spec - Specification for Dimmer for Large Neon Signs

Outdoor Dimmers

Unfortunately, at this stage, we do not have outdoor dimmers - we are in the process of testing and consulting with our supplies to encourage them to make weatherproof dimmers. We do have two workarounds:

Under Cover - The neon sign can be weatherproofed for outdoor use, but the dimmer must be inside a sealed weatherproof box or mounted under cover and out of the weather.
Don't use a Dimmer - the sign can be plugged directly into the weatherproofed power supply and controlled with the regular on/off power switch.

Conclusion

I hope my information on the various power supplies, dimmers, and plugs will help customers.

We send the appropriate-sized neon power supply, dimmer, and controller for all neon sign orders.

While the specific power and control products we send with an order will depend on the size of the neon, we take care of all of this for our customers.

The above are our most commonly used power supplies and dimmers/controllers in 2024 and 2025.

If you have specific questions about a neon power supply product, the price, how many years it will last, what conditions it will work in, or items you found for a lower price somewhere else, please get in touch with our customer service team using the link below.

Also, if it helps, I wrote an article on how to hang a neon sign, which might save you some time after your order has arrived.

FAQ

How do you hide a neon sign plug and wires?

Below are the best methods to hide the power supply, plug, and wiring. :

Hiding the wiring - You can drill a small hole in the drywall and pass the wire into the cavity space behind the wall.
Hiding the power supply - This can be tricky as it needs some space and can get warm, but you can cut a hole in the drywall near your power outlet and create a hidden box in the wall. Or you can plaster over the top of the hole once the power supply is inside - obviously, this makes it harder to disconnect.
Hiding the plug - An electrician can install a power outlet in the box from the prior step so it is not visible.

What size transformer do I need for a neon sign?

The size of the power transformer will depend on the size of the neon sign. Small signs need 120w, mediums 150w, and larger ones often require over 350w. The size of the transformer is calculated based on the amount of LED neon flex used in the neon sign.

We sort this out for you and add the correct power supply and dimmer to your order. When you receive your neon sign, you just need to plug it into the wall power outlet, and it will work.

What is the voltage of a neon sign?

A neon sign typically only needs 12v or 24v of electricity, and a 120 to 150-watt power supply will be sufficient for a medium-sized neon sign. They are home and office-safe; you can use them indoors with virtually no risk of electric shock.

Back to blog