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Neon sign power supply question ????

Hi

I'd like to replace the power supply for a window sized neon sign.

On the outside of the unit I'd like to replace, it says "output 6.5KV " @ 30ma

I found a power supply on line with the same sized box and same part # ( Me-120-9000-30 ) but this one has an output of 9KV (so it says)

Does anyone know if there's wiggle room in the voltage specs for these neon signs or do I need to stick with the exact numbers given.

I don't know if the neon will be "forgiving" of the 9KV or will I launch this thing into the stratosphere ?

Thanks, as always,

Spark

Reply to
Sparkey
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Outside of the unit, or the powersupply (or is the power supply 'bare'?)

I find it odd that the same part number from the same maker has two different ratings. Same maker, right? Look at that number, it is more specifications than an arbitrary number. 120 (input voltage) 9000 (output voltage) 30 (milliamp). Also do they both look the same or not?

Just in case, setup a good video camera. If nothing else, great you-tube entertainment!

Reply to
PeterD

Neon sign transformers are supposed to be constant current devices, so they will adapt to how many feet and how much voltage the neon sign requires, but still provide the same current (30 mA in this case).

So I would think it should be OK.

Any of the neon sign Web sites should be able to tell you about how much voltage is required for a given number of feet of a particular type sign.

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Reply to
Samuel M. Goldwasser

If it has the same part number, it should work. Neon 'transformers' have a current/voltage relationship that isn't described by any single current-voltage quantity, so the 'ratings' number is a kind of fiction. The '6.5 kV' could be AC volts, the '9kV' could be peak voltage (which is also important).

I'd think in terms of contacting a sign shop for this kind of thing, myself; there might be more than a part replacement that could benefit your installation, and it's reassuring to have a pro to handle the kilovolts issues. There also might be upgrades that will improve on the original power unit.

Reply to
whit3rd

Another advantage to a sign shop, is they may have an old one of these transformers laying around for a fraction of the price you would find online through ebay and the like. I use them to drive testla coils, and I've gotten great deals through sign shops. I've always used nst's for ballz out operation. But I believe, the higher voltage should force the system to operate at a lower current. The following link should give a good explanation...

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-J

Reply to
Sansui Samari

So... If I understand this article correctly...

Neon transformers are designed to deliver a more or less constant current to the tube. Therefore (???), the rated current load is a more-important spec than the rated output voltage.

Also, the "G factor" (hmmm...) would explain why the same transformer has two different voltage ratings.

Reply to
William Sommerwerck

Well, since the OP has not come back, we may never know!

Reply to
PeterD

On 1/24/2010 5:34 AM PeterD spake thus:

I only hope his "handle" doesn't mean what it sounds like it means ...

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Reply to
David Nebenzahl

Actually, the original manufacturer of the part is Neonpro, the replacement I found online is a different company. The same part #, same dimensions, same specs (except for the output volts)....

I'm asking about this because I don't want to live up to my handle ! (at least not this time)

he-he-he

Spark

Reply to
Sparkey

The Maker of the replacement I've looked at is Neonex, not a Neonpro.

Anyway, after much consideration, I've decided to go with the replacement.

They both have the 120-9000-30 part number which really appears to be the specs as well. (120v 9000v 30ma)

Thanks for the advice I may even take the you tube suggestion. If it ignites, I can still get a good laugh while I'll eat the cost of the replacement.

Reply to
Sparkey

You should definitely have a camcorder running when you power up, preferably one running at several hundred frames per second.

If anything blows, it's far more likely to be the neon tube. Don't forget to put an appropriately sized fuse in series with the transformer primary.

Reply to
William Sommerwerck

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