Neon Neon signs attract attention, create a great atmosphere and help businesses to stand out from the crowd. But as with any technology, something can break. Then a neon sign repair is called for. Is the neon not lighting up, is it flickering or is it suddenly getting darker? There can be many reasons for this. Let us check how you can find errors, when you can do it yourself and when you should call an expert.
The Basics: What is a neon sign made of?
Before we look at why your neon sign no longer works, let's first clarify what's actually inside. Here are the most important parts and their possible flaws:
Glass tubes with gas – the heart of every neon sign
This is the basis of every neon sign. The tubes contain a noble gas - either neon or argon. When electricity flows through the gas, it starts to glow. The color depends on the gas and the coating inside:
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Neon → glows red;
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Argon + mercury vapor → produces blue;
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Fluorescent coating → produces green, yellow, white, etc.
If the tube breaks or leaks, the gas escapes – and the light stops. Only a professional neon sign repair.
Electrodes & connections – without them nothing works
Electrodes are located at the ends of the tubes and bring the electricity into the gas. If these things are worn or corroded, the advertising can start to flicker or fail completely. In this case, it means: check the electrodes, clean them or replace them if necessary - a classic case for a neon sign repair.
Transformer – the power plant of the neon tube
The transformer is the powerhouse of the system. It converts normal mains voltage (220V) into the high voltage (3.000 – 15.000V) that makes the gas glow. If the transformer fails, nothing works or the light becomes unreliable. Typical problems:
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overheating;
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short circuit;
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General signs of aging.
If your transformer is acting up, the room will stay dark. Sometimes a reset helps, but often a new one is needed.
Controller & Starter – for the extra effect
Many neon signs have controllers that control flashing effects, color changes or animations. If the controller is broken, the light can go crazy or parts of the sign simply stop working. Depending on the problem, a replacement may be necessary.
Common malfunctions of neon signs and methods for their elimination
Neon signs are durable, but not indestructible. Here are the most common mistakes and their fixes:
The neon sign remains completely dark
Possible causes:
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No power in the socket;
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Defective transformer;
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cable break or loose connection;
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Electrodes damaged.
What to do?
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Check the power supply – is the advertisement even plugged in? Is there a power outage?
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Check cables & connections – replace broken cables;
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Measure the transformer – use a multimeter to check whether voltage is coming out. If not: get a replacement;
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Check electrodes – if black or heavily corroded, replace.
Have you ever experienced your Coca-Cola neon sign suddenly going out? The transformer is probably broken. Put in a new one and it will work again!
Neon sign flashes or runs unreliably
Possible causes:
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voltage fluctuations;
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Damaged electrodes;
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Cracks in the glass tubes.
What can you do?
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Check the power supply – sometimes there are fluctuations in the network. Try using a voltage stabilizer;
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Inspect the tubes - do you see any tiny cracks? Then gas may be escaping - that's what's causing the flickering. If so, only replacing them will help;
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Check electrodes - poor contact or damaged parts may be the problem. If they are corroded, clean them with alcohol or replace them.
Your bar neon sign starts flickering every night? It could be the cables – but you should also check the tubes for fine cracks! The guys from Neon Sign Repair Cologne get it working again. After a new tube the thing runs smoothly again.
Some parts glow weaker or have a different color
Possible causes:
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gas loss;
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Worn electrodes;
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Problems with the fluorescent coating.
What can you do?
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Check the tube - is it cracked or damaged? Then gas has escaped. Solution: put in a new tube;
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Check the electrodes - over time they burn out, which makes the light weaker. Changing them can help;
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Call an expert – if the color changes, the coating inside may be burned. In that case, a new tube is needed.
Your neon sign neon font should actually be blue, but now it looks kind of greenish? Almost certainly gas has escaped somewhere. The professional will check it and put in a new tube - then the thing will light up again as it should!
Transformer gets too hot
Possible causes:
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Overload;
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Dust & dirt in the device;
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Defective transformer.
What can you do?
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Check the power – does the transformer even fit the size of the advertisement? If it is overloaded → get a stronger one;
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Clean – dust can cause overheating, so remove the dust and ensure better ventilation;
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Get a new transformer – old ones eventually die, and if your transformer is constantly heating up, it's probably time for a replacement.
Your Neon illuminated sign individually turns itself off after 10 minutes? Sounds like the transformer is overheating. High time for a new one!
What can go wrong with a neon sign repair?
Some damage to neon signs simply don't fit into a standard drawer. Mechanical impacts, short circuits or even incorrect storage can be the cause. Here are a few real examples of how to fix such problems:
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Neon repair after mechanical damage. Imagine the owner of a shop wanted to repair his Coca Cola neon sign hang it up - and bang, part of the tube breaks. A piece is broken, and half the sign remains dark. No problem! A professional can simply make a new glass tube in the same shape, fill it with the right gas (depending on the desired color) and insert it. After that, the neon sign will shine like it did on the first day;
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Short circuit due to thunderstorm - what to do? Heavy storm, lightning flashes - and then? The neon sign doesn't light up. A check shows that the voltage fluctuation caused a short circuit. The solution? Check the transformer and cable. If they are burned out, simply replace them. Repairing a neon sign like this not only extends its lifespan, but also saves you from bigger problems later on.
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Reviving old neon signs. What if you have a really cool old neon sign from the 80s or 90s that hasn't worked for ages? After so many years, the gas has probably escaped. But hey, if the tubes are still intact, you can fill them with new gas and seal them.
How to keep your neon sign in shape – tips for care and maintenance
Sure, a Repair of neon signs is possible, but it is better to prevent damage from the start. With a few simple tricks you can ensure that your neon sign shines for a long time – and without stress.
Regular cable checks:
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Take a look at the wiring every few months;
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Check for frayed or burnt cables;
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if the neon sign hanging outside: Check whether moisture is getting in.
Why is it important? Broken cables = risk of short circuit or even fire!
Keep clean:
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Wipe once a month with a dry or slightly damp cloth;
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Clean contacts with alcohol pads;
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No aggressive cleaners – they can damage the surface.
Why is it important? Dust and dirt dim the light and can cause overheating.
protection against voltage fluctuations
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Voltage fluctuations? Then it is better to use a stabilizer or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply);
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Do not plug into the same socket as powerful appliances (e.g. refrigerators, air conditioners);
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If there are frequent power outages, connect a high-quality power supply.
Why is it important? Voltage surges can kill the transformer or cause the light to flicker.
With these simple tips, your Illuminated Signs in top shape for longer – and you save yourself expensive repairs.
When you should let professionals do it
Some problems with neon signs can be easily fixed yourself. But sometimes you can't get any further without a professional. If it gets serious or you are unsure, it is better to call a professional straight away.
Cracks or leaks in the tubes
Signs: Part of the sign or the whole thing no longer lights up, even though the transformer is OK. Why a professional? The tubes are made of special glass and are filled with gas under pressure. You can't just seal them or refill them at home - you need a specialist workshop for that. What to do? Have you discovered a crack? Go to a specialist! Repaired tubes last forever, but sometimes you have to get a new one made.
Problems with the transformer
Signs: The sign flickers, gets hot, or doesn't work at all.
Why a professional? We're talking about high voltage here (between 3.000 and 15.000 V). If you mess up, there could be a short circuit. And not all transformers fit every shield.
What to do? If the transformer is broken, have an electrician replace it.
Trouble with animation or lighting
Signs: Parts of the sign are flashing strangely or the cool dynamic effect is no longer working.
Why a professional? Controllers often give up the ghost because of moisture or voltage fluctuations. You need to know about circuits. Sometimes the only solution is to replace them.
What to do? Get a specialist to check and repair the controller.
If you have no idea what is broken or how to fix it, don't touch it. Repairing neon signs is not for beginners. High voltage is really not to be trifled with. It is better to call an electrician or a professional straight away.
With the right care, your Neon sign forever. Pay attention to warning signals and get help in time. It's better to rely on repairing neon signs in Berlin than to ruin your equipment and nerves. That way it will always stay bright and reliable!
