Neon sign transformer cord replacement
If there are any bad spots in a neon sign cord,
or the conductors are too close to separate and tape for testing,
you need another cord. Period. No - well you know... if I....
Forget it. You could power the sign up,
get shocked and smack the neon sign as you fly back making it short out.
No, you need a three conductor cord with a good ground plug.
Yes, it's time to use that lopped-off old 3-prong appliance cord you cut before you tossed the appliance out.
Yeah, I remember that! Where'd I put that?
Hanging in the garage or was it in the workshop downstairs?
Time to find it. Not maybe. Must find! Can't find?
Neighbor have one?
Otherwise it's time to buy a cord at an electrical supply or appliance parts store.
Most older transformers have a small rectangular cover that is removable for switch repair. If the cord is bad, it's time to open that up. That is the proper place to make connection. Inside the box. No separate cover? Then look for the screws holding the transformer cover. Usually there will be 4 screws. Most of the time, the cover of the transformer is what secures to the neon sign frame. So if there is no separate cover you will be opening up the transformer. Many times the ground wire is riveted in and hard to disconnect. The wire should be cut long, and spliced to the new cord. I will mention this again in case you missed it. You need a three (3) conductor cord. Ground is extremely important in neon lighting. It needs to exist for safe and proper function. Transformers are grounded. Most say "secondary mid-point grounded".
I'll be posting some pictures of the procedure when I get a chance... 11/15/2008 3:23 PM
