Neon Sign Transformers

Neon sign transformers, also called gaseous tube transformers, provide high voltage to illuminate the attractive neon signs. Neon signs are used widely for advertising and publicity, in theaters, hotels and auditoriums.

Working of Neon Signs Transformers

• Neon signs use neon gas that is inert in nature. Neon signs are made up of tubes that are filled with neon gas.
• This tube is supplied with high voltage that is obtained from the neon sign transformers. The high voltage supplied by the neon sign transformer increases the kinetic energy of electrons in the neon atom.
• The neon atom is ionized when the kinetic energy of electrons is high enough. Ionization develops a positive charge or a negative charge on the neon atom. These charged atoms create plasma that carries the electricity from one end of the tube to another. The plasma formed in this process completes the electric circuit and causes the electrons in the neon atom to fall down to their regular levels from the excited state.
• As the electrons return to their regular energy levels, a proton is emitted. This proton of the neon atom illuminates the neon signs.
• The basic principle is that high voltage must be provided to the neon gas for illumination. This high voltage is provided by the neon sign transformers.

Transformers are generally used for increasing (step-up) or decreasing (step-down) as per the demands of an application. The neon signs require a high voltage, so a step-up transformer is used to light up the neon signs. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. These are wound on an iron core and the primary winding is connected to the mains with the secondary to the equipment. The secondary winding of the neon sign transformer provides the necessary high voltage that ranges from 2 to 15 kV. The line voltage has a range of 120V to 240V and the output current ranges from 30 mA to 60 mA.

The intensity of the neon lights varies, when the voltage supplied to the neon tube is varied. The line voltage supplied to the primary winding of the neon transformer is varied in order to vary the output at the secondary winding. The secondary winding provides a variable voltage depending on the intensity required. The neon sign transformers are generally center-tapped. In a center tapped transformer, the secondary winding has a third lead at the center of the winding. This center tap is grounded and the voltages at the output of the other two ends, are out of phase with each other. These voltages are measured with respect to ground voltage, which is provided by the center tap of the transformer.

The disadvantage of the center tapped neon sign transformers is that the voltage at the output is half of the voltage rating of the transformer. However, this does not affect the neon signs. The neon sign transformers are used as a voltage supply for many high-voltage experiments. In these experiments, the full potential of the transformers is not utilized due to the center tapping of the secondary winding. In many applications of transformers, other than the neon signs, the center tap of the neon sign transformer is removed to utilize the full potential of the transformer.

Nowadays, neon signs are available in different colors, as the gas used in them is different. Different gases like argon, xenon, helium, mercury and carbon dioxide are used to make neon signs of different colors. Variations in colors make the advertisements eye-catching. You just need to plug-in the neon sign transformers to the neon tubes. Unlimited creativity can help you develop showy and attractive signboards.