When Neon Signs Are Repairable
Usually, a professional can take one look at the sign and figure out whether you have a voltage problem or if something is wrong with the transformer.
You can also do some repairs yourself, if you are confident
.
What happens if a neon light breaks?
Once a neon light breaks or cracks,
the neon gas immediately escapes and there is no gas remaining
. Please dispose of the remaining pieces as there is no way to repair broken/cracked glass once the gas escapes. For more information on how neon lights are made, see our article on Real Neon. Was this article helpful?
How much does it cost to fix a broken neon sign?
The cost of repairing a simple break runs about
$50 if neon and $60 if it had argon gas
, as the tube has to be cleaned prior to being repaired. Often a break will destroy several feet of glass and you may be better off having a new tube made. On older signs that used argon gas, mercury vapors have clouded the glass.
Why do neon lights stop working?
Look for
broken wires, a shorted wire, extremely low voltage or defective tube section within the neon light system
. Shorts and broken wires will not transfer any voltage to the light. If several neon lights are connected in a series and one is broken then none of the lights will work.
How long do neon signs last?
Most neon signs are expected to last
between eight and 15 years
, although many continue to function for much longer than that. Leaving a sign switched on for prolonged periods can shorten its lifespan, and leave it at risk of overheating or sustaining damage from electrical surges.
Are old neon signs worth anything?
Age – In general,
older neon signs are worth more than their newer counterparts
. 1950s neon signs and those made even earlier are among the most valuable. Newer retro-style signs still have value, but the real deal is always worth more.
Are neon lights toxic when broken?
Florescent tubes glow white and are used for lighting. They do contain a small amount of elemental mercury, but this kind of mercury is not dangerous in the amounts found in a florescent tube. The broken glass is.
Neon tubes do not contain mercury
.
Do neon lights burn out?
Neon signs can burn out
, this is where all or part of the sign will stop glowing. There are various causes of this burnout. Bad transformers:- Neon signs glass tubes are illuminated by the use of transformers. If the transformer fails, the sign will not light up.
Is neon gas toxic?
Neon is a rare atmospheric gas and as such is
non-toxic
and chemically inert. Neon poses no threat to the environment, and can have no impact at all because it’s chemically unreactive and forms no compounds. No known ecological damage caused by this element.
How do you clean a neon light?
Unplug the neon sign or light and allow the tubes to cool completely. Use a soft bristle nylon brush or a soft dry sock to remove dust from the surface of the sign
. use only very light pressure to prevent damage or breakage of the light. Perform an inspection to look for any residue that is stubborn.
Why are my neon lights flickering?
The reason neon bulbs flicker is that
the gas is getting used to light the bulb it has a certain firing voltage that has to be controlled by limited current
. This is accomplished by a series resistor. If the lamp fires at 67 volts then everything is ok.
Does neon use a lot of electricity?
Neon signs don’t generally use any more electricity than normal lightbulbs
, but your personal usage will depend on the size of the light and how often you use it. Another factor to consider is the colour of the neon gas used in the light – for red neon lighting, the typical power consumption is 3.5 to 4 watts per foot.
Do neon signs ever go out?
Common Issues With Neon Signs
Today, neon signs suffer from the dreaded burnout, as either the entire sign will stop glowing or only a section of the sign
. Some of the most common issues related to commercial neon signs: Electrical wire burnout: Close to 80% of neon sign burnout involves the electrical wires.
Why did neon signs become less popular?
Due to the safety concerns, inefficiency, and expense
, the popularity of neon signage has waned over the years in favor of incandescent and LED signs. LED is now the primary source of lighting in illuminated signage as it is the most efficient. Manufacturers also LED in faux-neon signs and design elements.
Are old signs valuable?
Vintage signs advertising food, drink, and gas tend to be the most collectible and most valuable
. You can repurpose them as decor for a rustic, farmhouse look or a old-fashioned, shabby chic feel.
Are neon lights eco friendly?
Traditional neon is toxic to the environment
, not through the properties of Neon itself, which is fairly non-lethal, but in terms of the energy it consumes. Many of the things used to make neon signs are toxic, including argon and mercury, even though the gas is not.
Do neon lights contain neon?
Neon lights are therefore composed of a sealed glass tube containing a small quantity of neon gas
. At each end of the tube there is an electrode, which allows the tube to be connected to an electric power source and to create an electric circuit.
Is neon light harmful to eyes?
Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision
. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience the problem. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore, burning, watery or dry eyes.
