JoshFlack Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Hi Guys, I have a Dance Floor that was installed years ago, and is actually Neon Tubes. We think two of the channels aren't working because of the ballasts. I don't really know that much about Neon Tubes, or which ballasts are acceptable for them. Any help or suggestions would be great. Thanks guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Neon tube is run from a very high voltage usually supplied from special transformers -we are talking in the region of 15 - 25KV which has the capacity to be lethal instantly. A first visual inspection after being very certain that the circuit is really dead and possibly earthed, may reveal an easy repair or need to call in professional help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbuckley Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 The professionals for neon are sign companies. Even when neon was popular "back in the day" it was more often than not the sign companies that made the neon in discos work. The problem you are likely to face is if its the transformer that has failed, the old transformers really were transformers, and could be happily dimmed by any decent dimmer that could handle an inductive load. These old, heavy transformers have been supplaned by lightweight electronic supplies, have a look at the neon signs in Subway next time you're there. My wonder is if the old dimmers are compatible with the new electronic trannies, given that the electronic tranny didn't exist when the dimmers were designed. Love neon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam2 Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Yes, neon lamps work at voltages much higher than mains.Take care !Any good neon sign sign firm can supply replacement lamps or transformers.The newer type of electronic transformer cant be dimmed from a standard dimmer. If a significant percentage of the installation has failed it might be better to scrap it and replace with LED light tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigclive Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Neon transformers generally put out anything between 1kV and 10kV at 30 or 50mA in the UK. The voltage and current rating depends on the length, diameter, type of gas, pressure, electrodes and number of sections. Poor wiring can easily result in a fire due to arcing between conductors/earth. Modern electronic transformers have some serious capacitive coupling issues that require very strict cable routing and tube placement. As such they may not be usable on existing tubes. As others have mentioned, this is a job for a sign company. Choose one that still uses neon if possible, since modern sign companies tend to use LED and have little real experience with neon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agermich Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Try Newman Displays, they definitely still so plenty of neon. http://www.newman-displays.com/products/neon.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musht Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Interesting article on neon, few suggestions on suppliers in text: http://www.signlink.co.uk/signlink/News.aspx?I=804 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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