Induction Coils Vs. Neon Sign Transformer

Neon signs need a high-voltage current to glow.

Neon signs are glass tubes filled with a gas. When the power is turned on, the voltage increases. High-voltage electricity moves across a filament in the bulb. The high-voltage charge excites the gas to a glow.

Induction Coils

Induction coils can increase voltage. Induction coils can be used to cause incandescent lights to glow just as neon signs do. Tesla coils can be used as a transformer in neon signs. However, transformers called neon sign transformers (NSTs) are more commonly used.

Neon Sign Transformer

A neon sign transformer converts electricity to the high voltage to ignite the neon or argon gas when the neon sign is turned on. The transformer converts the standard 120 voltage to between 2,000 and 15,000 volts needed for a neon sign. A failing transformer can cause neon signs to flicker.

History

Both Sir William Crookes and Nikola Tesla used induction coils to create high voltage in their experiments in making materials glow. Crookes used induction coils to make incandescent lights. Nikola Tesla's experiments led to the first high-frequency and high-efficiency fluorescent lights.

References

• "The Preservation of Historic Architecture"; U.S. Office Department of the Interior; 2004
• "Prodigal Genius: The Life of Nikola Tesla"; James O'Neill; 2007
• "Lighting"; David Präkel; 2007
• "Physical Chemistry: Understanding Our Chemical World"; Paul M. S. Monk; 2004

Resources

• "The Ultimate Tesla Coil Design and Construction Guide"; Mitch Tilbury; 2008
• "Phosphor Handbook"; William M. Yen, Shigeo Shionoya, Hajime Yamamoto; 2006