How Does a Neon Transformer Work?
Neon signs and neon lighting in general require a power supply that is different from many traditional appliances. In order to prevent neon tubes from burning out quickly, transformers have been designed to meet their particular needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Neon Transformer Basics
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Neon transformers run on alternating current. In the transformer's core, power is run through a primary coil, magnetically linking it to a secondary coil positioned close by. This causes a current to run through the secondary coil, which outputs the electrical energy generated into the neon tube. The number of turns on the secondary coil determines how much voltage the current will supply.
Novelty in Neon Transformers
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Typical power transformers have a high output voltage regulation: the voltage varies little, even with varying electrical current. Neon tubes need a higher voltage to initially ionize the gas and produce light than they do to keep producing the light. In order to allow for this drop in voltage (and preserve the tube's longevity), neon transformers are designed with magnetic shunts to lower the transformer's output voltage regulation.
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Potential Problems for Neon Transformers
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Overloading (connecting too much neon tubing) and underloading (connecting too little) a neon transformer can shorten the life of both the transformer and the tubing. They require the secondary coil to provide different amounts of energy than they are rated for. Both result in higher operating temperatures, which can burn out tubes, wires, and the transformers themselves. Overloaded transformers are typically responsible for flickering neon lighting.
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References
- Photo Credit neon sign image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
