Electrical-type question

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Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:47 pm

The new Steelers neon is almost too bright. Do regular dimmer switches work on neon signs or do they require a regular current to make those gases glow?

Not quite a Newb Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 29

Reprob8,

I would strongly advice NOT to use regular dimmer switches for dimming a neon sign!!
The sign is using a high voltage power supply, it doesn't cope well when using a dimmer (neither does the average dimmer cope well when used to dimm a neon sign!).

I don't know a safe method for dimming a neon sign.
Sorry for the bad news ..

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:07 pm

congrats to your first Eaterversary Equinoxe

@R8 i concurr with Equinoxe

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:10 pm

Hey Equi!!! Congrats on your eaterversary!!! happy crowd

KD will soon be around to call you a postwhore...lol Laughing

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:11 pm

GEEZ!!!!! Thread jack! happy crowd

Sorry, R8, have to congratulate hubby! clapping

Well done Postwhore! and a round 40 posts as well!

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:26 pm

@ equinoxe -- thanks for the advice. I'll live with the brightness! And
Happy Eaterversary!!

Not quite a Newb Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 29

@Breadcrumb: a second post this month just for you Wink

@all thanks for the congrats Smile

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:37 pm

Take this with a grain of salt.... I'm not an electrical engineer. I would be richer is I was.

http://www.neonshop.com/neonweb/nn/tdorr17.html

The site may be a bit slow. But it's informative.

Just be glad you didn't use a normal light dimmer. It sounds like there is a special dimmer used just for Neon Lights.

Perhaps a search on neon dimmer may help.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:39 pm

Quote:

@Breadcrumb: a second post this month just for you

I feel soooo honored!! Very Happy

Not quite a Newb Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 62

Another way that should work is to use a variable transformer (variac).

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 2:53 am

You know that thick clearish plastic you can get at Home Depot? You use it for a dropcloth when you're painting? Get some of that and put it in front of the sign. If it's still too bright, hang another sheet of plastic. Simple, really, and you can control the brightness by adding or removing plastic sheets.

And I am an electrical engineer (really! my undergraduate degree is a BSEE), so you can trust that advice.

Equinoxe - happy Eaterversary!! At this rate, you'll reach the "eater is my life" title before.... well, before 2010, I guess.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:57 pm

First off, congrats Equinoxe on the one year. I guess it is hard to get around to making posts when Persephone is always hogging up the computer.

Secondly, R8, everyone else's advice has been pretty sound. Don't use a dimmer on these neon lights. I am an EE and working with those transformers are a bit dangerous. Usually neon light transformers are in the kV range, probably around 8-15kV. So working with that is much more dangerous that with your typical 120VAC electricity. It arcs and is quite dangerous. If you don't have experience wiring high voltage stuff, I would highly recommend against it.

I don't know hat a variac would work in this instance... I would have to think about it. It would depend on the minimum voltages could be for those signs. But, that is a pretty dangerous scenario too.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:05 pm

Trick is to NOT limit the input current to the transformer,,,,,Limit the output current,get 2 10k ohm 2 watt resistors,,,,solder them in series,,,,,1 end will go to the neon,(insulate very well) the other to 1 of the output terminal,s of the transformer.

Yep I,m also a CET, Certified Electronic Technician
Tha variac option will work,,,,,expensive way to go though,.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:54 pm

What's wrong with using sunglasses when the sign is on? Cool

Simple
Safe
Effective
Cheap

I am of course looking at this from a mechanical engineers point of view... Laughing

Master Baiter Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 233 Location: USA

Many congrats on your Eaterversary, Equinoxe!!!

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 17

Congrats on your Eaterversary Equinoxe

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:10 pm

Reprob8 wrote:

The new Steelers neon is almost too bright. ...

How can a sign of your favorite team be too bright?

Reprob8, I think you should seriously review your fan status. You're slipping.

Come on! Just because you have dedicated 80% of your life to them, including almost your entire income, rooms of your house, and your SO's crystal collection doesn't mean you're a real fan. Laughing

[hums: "you, light up my life, ..."]

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:13 am

The sun glasses were a good idea, the plastic even better, you know they sell that plastic in different colors and thickness'. I'm not an EE either but if it's an electrical issue it's my guess that they're the ones to talk to. I once shocked the hell outta myself changing a simple light bulb, so you wouldn't want me takein' a looksie.
If you haven't found a solution yet you may want to check a local craft store. I know they have paints for regular lighting, maybe there's something to fit your needs as well.
Remember-google is your friend.