Indoor vs Outdoor Neon Signs: What You Need to Know

Indoor vs Outdoor: Choosing the Right Neon Sign

One of the most common questions we receive at Lumy Neon is: "Can I put my neon sign outside?" The answer is yes — but there are important differences to understand before deciding. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Understanding IP Ratings

IP stands for "Ingress Protection" — a standard rating system that tells you how well a product is protected against dust and water:

Rating	Dust Protection	Water Protection	Use Case
IP20	Protected against objects > 12mm	No protection	Indoor only
IP44	Protected against objects > 1mm	Splash-proof	Sheltered outdoor
IP65	Fully dust-tight	Water jet proof	Full outdoor

At Lumy Neon, our standard indoor signs are IP20, and our outdoor-rated signs are IP65.

Key Differences

#### Indoor Signs (IP20)

• Standard neon flex tubing with exposed connections
• Standard power supply (non-waterproof)
• Acrylic or PVC backboard without weather sealing
• Mounting: Standoff pins for wall floating effect
• Price: Standard pricing
• Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, restaurants, cafés, shops

#### Outdoor Signs (IP65)

• Waterproof silicone neon flex with sealed connections
• Weatherproof power supply in a sealed enclosure
• UV-resistant acrylic backboard with weather-sealed edges
• Mounting: Heavy-duty brackets with waterproof cable routing
• Price: Approximately 25% more than indoor
• Best for: Storefronts, patios, gardens, building facades, event spaces

When to Choose Outdoor

You need an outdoor-rated sign when:

1. The sign will be exposed to rain, snow, or humidity
2. It's mounted on an exterior wall or facade
3. It's in a location with extreme temperature variations
4. It's near a pool, fountain, or water feature
5. It's in an open-air restaurant or patio area

When Indoor Is Sufficient

An indoor sign works perfectly when:

1. The sign is inside a building with controlled climate
2. It's under a covered porch or awning (partially sheltered)
3. It's in a conservatory or sunroom
4. The area doesn't experience extreme temperatures

Maintenance Tips

Indoor signs require minimal maintenance — just dust occasionally with a soft cloth.

Outdoor signs should be:

• Checked annually for seal integrity
• Cleaned with a damp cloth (never pressure wash)
• Protected from direct sustained sunlight if possible
• Brought indoors during extreme weather events

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Not Sure Which to Choose?

Our team can help you decide based on your specific location and requirements. Contact us for a free consultation, or try our calculator and select your indoor/outdoor preference.