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Neon Transformers and Power
Supplies
These are the high
voltage devices or boxes
that power the neon tubing.
It takes thousands of volts
of electricity to illuminate
a neon tube. The voltage
that comes out of a wall
socket is either 120 or 220
volts. The transformer or
power supply is used to
step-up these volts, and
transform it into anything
from 2,000 volts up to 9,000
volts or even up to 15,000
volts in some outdoor
applications.
Core
and Coil Transformers
These
are the old conventional
power sources weighing about
10 pounds. They put out a
specific amount of voltage,
such as 6,000, 7,500 or
9,000 volts. The transformer
voltage required is based on
the overall length of the
glass tubing and tube
diameter.
Electronic Power Supplies
These
are lightweight plastic
power sources, which have
small coils and function off
of electronic componentry.
Weighing only one pound,
this power supply can put
out a variable range of
voltage, from 1,000 volts to
10,000 volts depending on
the sign requirements.
Factory Direct and
Affordable
We
sell direct, no distributors, so
we can pass the savings on to
you.
Easy To Use
Each
of our neon window signs comes
complete, ready to hang and plug
in to any 120 volt grounded
electrical outlet. The tough,
acrylic plastic wrap-around
frame offers protection for the
handmade neon. This design also
keeps the sign in one easy to
handle unit. Our solid state
neon transformers are 1/3
smaller than conventional
transformers so it fits
compactly without distracting
from the beauty of the neon. The
Attached two chains allow you to
hang your sign practically
anywhere - in a window or
against the wall.
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Glass Tubing and Electrodes
Tubing Diameters
or Size: Neon tubing comes in
various diameters depending upon
the application. The tube
diameter or size is calculated
in millimeters and typically
runs from 8 - 11 mm for use in
indoor signs and 12 - 15 mm in
diameter for use in large
indoor neon signs or outdoor
signs and channel letters.
Smaller neon
tube diameters are easier to
bend into written words but are
not as distinguishable from a
distance. Larger tube diameters
are more visible from a
distance, and are more effective
in illuminating storefront
letters, but cannot be
practically formed into smaller
written applications. Larger
diameter neon tubing is less
brilliant.
Colors and Coatings
Neon tubing
can be created in many different
colors, through the use of argon
gas and the various internal
phosphor coatings on the glass
itself. The coatings in the tube
appear to be white when
non-illuminated. They become
other colors once the tube is
illuminated and the phosphors
become excited. More expensive
pigmented glass tubing can be
purchased in order to achieve a
richer color, such as Novial
Gold or Ruby Red and a few
others.
Electrodes
Every neon
tube has two electrodes attached
to it, one at each end of the
tube. The electrical current
enters the tube through the
electrode, which is comprised of
a small metal thimble-like cup.
The electrode is "welded" to the
neon tube.
The two wires off the electrode
are connected to the GTO cables
leading from the transformer.
This is a high voltage
connection, and is covered by
rubber insulating sleeves to
ensure the user is not shocked.
PK Housings or
Hage Connectors
On outdoor signs and channel
letters, the GTO cable is not
attached directly to the glass.
Instead it makes contact with
the glass through the use of
either PK Housings or Hage
Connectors. |
