If you run a neon advertising production factory or a professional lighting decoration company, you may be facing a decision between the second-generation integrated neon lights and third-generation modular neon lights. Then, this article will systematically break down their key factors to help you choose neon light which better aligns with your business needs.
* If you’re unsure about the differences in advertising neon lights and want to clarify the key distinctions quickly, our previous article provides a clear overview of the core features of both options. To learn more, please refer to the blog link below.
The Difference Between Gen. 2 Integrated Neon Lights and Gen. 3 Modular Neon Lights
Choose Neon Light Factor: Advantages and Disadvantages
Generation 2 Integrated / All-in-One Neon Lights:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ Precise Cutting:
Due to a minimum 1cm-cutting-length that translates designs directly into products, it saves material and labor by fit adjustments. |
❌ Higher Cost:
High-quality Generation 2 all-in-one integrated neon lights are generally priced higher than separated modular neon lights. |
| ✅ Easy Installation:
As a fully assembled product when delivered, installation typically only requires soldering, mounting, and power connection after unboxing. |
❌ Localized Repair:
When a section of LED beads is damaged, the entire light strip often needs to be replaced. |
| ✅ Excellent Sealing:
The integrated encapsulation provides dust and water resistance (typically IP65 or higher), so it suitable for outdoor or humid environments. |
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| ✅ Uniform Illumination:
The seamless body ensures continuous and uninterrupted lighting with no dark spots, closely resembling the traditional neon light’s visual effect. |
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| ✅ Low Maintenance:
Because of a double-sided and thickened PCB circuit board, the product offers a low failure rate under normal operating conditions. |
Generation 3 Detached / Modular Neon Lights:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ High Customizability:
The silicone cover plates can be freely assembled in different colors and illumination widths. In addition to using the cover plates, users can also opt for an exposed mode without covers to achieve distinctive lighting and shadow effects. |
❌ Complex Installation:
Requires separate assembly of S-shaped LED strips and silicone covers, which demanding a higher level of hands-on skill. |
| ✅ Easy Maintenance and Upgrades:
When a group of LED beads is damaged, simply replace that specific S-shaped light strip section and keep costs low. |
❌ Visible Seams:
Slight visual gaps may be noticeable between connected segments. |
| ✅ Lower Cost:
Silicone rubber and S-shaped strip can be purchased separately. Compared to all-in-one, this product offers a significant price advantage. |
❌ Waterproofing Challenges:
The S-shaped LED strip only has an IP20 waterproof rating. Due to the thin adhesive layer and lack of waterproof sealing on the backside of the spray-coated S-shaped strips, they only provide dust resistance and do not offer the waterproof performance claimed by some sellers. |
| ❌ Unpolished Backside Lighting:
Since the silicone cover does not enclose the back of the S-shaped LED strip, light leakage occurs on the rear side of the neon sign. This may not meet the expectations of clients with high standards for lighting aesthetics. |
How to Choose Neon Light? Key Questions to Guide Your Decision
| Firstly, Where will you use it? |
|---|
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| Secondly, What is your budget? |
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| Thirdly, how high are your labor costs? |
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| Fourthly. What are your warranty requirements? |
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Conclusion
All in all, there is no absolute “better,” only “more suitable.”
- When you want a worry-free, durable, and visually seamless solution for signage or fixed installations, Generation 2 All-in-OneNeon Light is a reliable choice.
- When you prioritize customization, flexibility, and are less constrained by labor requirements, Generation 3 ModularNeon Light opens up greater creative possibilities.
Whichever neon light product you choose, we recommend prioritizing reputable brands and carefully evaluating key specifications such as actual brightness, color temperature, energy efficiency, and warranty terms—ensuring a durable and dependable experience.
Pro Tip: Before making a purchase, consider requesting a sample to see and feel the quality and lighting effect in person—after all, lighting is the soul of atmosphere.
Call to Action
As a professional manufacturer with 8 years of deep expertise in the neon lighting industry, One Zero LED Lighting Factory is committed to providing a full range of high-quality neon lighting products.
- Equipped with 6 specialized production lines and comprehensive in-house capabilities from R&D to manufacturing, we can flexibly meet the needs of diverse projects.
- Maintain substantial ready-to-ship inventory across our entire advertising neon light series, enabling fast dispatch within 3–7 days for small to medium orders. This ensures efficient support for urgent projects and allows your plans to proceed with confidence.
Let’s work together to illuminate spaces, ideas, and opportunities with professional products and service.
Contact us today to bring your vision to light.
Email Us: julie@onezeroledlighting.com
Call Us (Phone/WhatsAPP/WeChat): +86 18692631217
