How to Fix a Neon Sign: Common Problems & Easy Solutions

Do you know how to fix neon sign? Neon signs can get faulty and make it harder to catch the passerby's attention. Neon signs have been an eye-catching component of visual advertising for many years. They provide an attractive light that is difficult to duplicate with their vivid colors and antique sheen. 

Whether it is a modern piece of art lighting a store or an antique neon sign in a classic restaurant, these glowing pieces of art have a particular place in our households and places of business. Most people prefer neon signs because of their captivating radiance, which never fails to captivate customers.

But repairing a broken neon sign can be a difficult and intricate operation. Like anything else, neon signs can occasionally shatter or fall. It might be upsetting to watch these brilliant marvels go away. But do not fear, this comprehensive article will show you how to repair a neon sign so they keep shining brilliantly.

Brief About Neon Signs 

Low-pressure gas is what most people know illuminating tubes are filled with. When neon gas is subjected to high voltage, it begins to glow. For indoors as well as outdoor settings, neon signs are excellent options since they provide eye-catching displays. 

It is necessary to do basic maintenance and replace your neon signs to prevent them from degrading. Furthermore, the construction and components of a neon sign determine how long it lasts. 

Their typical lifespan is 8 to 15 years; thus, they must be built with high-quality materials. Sign transformers typically last between five and seven years. However, models that are bigger or of superior quality may endure for as long as fifteen years. All these affects how long they last and if you need to replace a component or not.

How to Fix Neon Sign - Troubleshooting a Faulty Neon Sign

If the neon sign you have is not functioning, you might be able to solve the issue on your own by looking at the issue. In this section, you will find several common issues that your neon sign can experience and how to fix neon sign if these issues arise. 

Flickering

Flickering is a common neon sign problem that needs fixing. You may have a transformer problem, worn-out tubes, or electrical issues if you find that your neon sign is flickering or fading. Inspecting and replacing any broken or leaky tubes is crucial. 

Should problems persist, your specialist will examine the electrical parts and perform any required fixes. Fixing issues as soon as they arise is the best course of action. In the long run, it can save you money. You can prevent further damage by replacing defective parts as soon as they appear.

Turns On Then Turns Off

Try these troubleshooting measures if your neon sign turns on for a short while before going off again.

• Start by checking your circuit breaker. Whether it has tripped, reset it to see whether the problem persists.
• If that does not work, try unplugging and replugging the cord from the outlet; this could be enough to reset the system and get it operating normally again.
• If these fixes do not work, you may need to replace your circuit breaker or fuse.

Dim Letters

Your neon sign's tubes are most likely not receiving enough energy if its lights are drab. 

First, confirm that your power supply is working by testing it with a voltmeter. Check if your transformer is working to ascertain if it has an issue worth resolving. 

If there is no transformer connected to an antique neon sign, you must check the electrical resistance for every tube to make sure they are all reading correctly. One or more of the tubes may have more resistance than the others, which might be the cause of your sign fading.

Does Not Turn On

It is common to see a neon sign not turning on. If you find yourself in this situation, you should verify these items if your neon sign is not glowing. Make sure the right kind of energy is powering your sign first. Because neon signs require a very high voltage of electricity, attempting to power one with a low-voltage lightbulb may not work. 

You should also ensure the lightbulb is not burned out and is operating correctly. If you have tested the transformer and the neon tube, but your sign still does not operate, it means the neon sign is damaged. You will have to replace both if you want to attempt again in this scenario.

Broken neon sign glass

Traditionally, bent glass tubes are used to make neon signs. Glass can shatter when struck physically because it is a very brittle material. Because of this, neon signs that are placed in public places should always be covered with a protective covering plate.

In most cases, damage to your neon sign's glass tubes is readily apparent, but as previously said, glass cracks can also be very small and barely noticeable. The sign will cease functioning instantly if the tube breaks, but it may take some time to notice the damage because of the microscopic hair fractures that allow the neon gas to slowly drain. Most people prefer not to learn how to fix a neon sign with a broken tube because of the stress and would rather opt to purchase a new sign.

Are Neon Signs Repairable?

It is possible to learn how to fix neon sign. Due to its many basic, modular components, neon signs are easy to maintain and repair in the event of an issue. You can repair the neon sign if it has a short-circuit, loose connection, or faulty transformer. 

Short-circuit

Tracing the wires to their origin is the first thing to do if your neon sign is short-circuiting. Either a circuit board or a transformer—which you may get at a hardware store—will be the outcome. If it is a circuit board, look for blown fuses and replace them. Next, examine every capacitor on the motherboard and swap out any that are leaking or protruding.

If this does not solve the issue of how to fix broken neon sign, you will need to identify the location of the circuit failure, which might be in the power supply or a single lightbulb. Identifying which lights are dimming or flickering is typically easier than attempting to troubleshoot each one separately.

Loose Connections

If your neon sign is loose, you have many choices. After tightening the connections, see if the problem has been fixed. You may need to repair some of the neon sign's joints or wires if it does not function. Replacement of any flickering or burned-out bulbs is necessary. 

If you are not satisfied with any of these options, it is time to hire a professional. However, we don’t know how much does it cost to fix a neon sign since the issue might be different until the expert ascertains the primary reason for your sign's malfunction. 

Faulty Transformers

The transformer is the most important part of any neon sign; if it breaks, the entire sign will cease functioning. Neon tubes may shine by converting the mains electricity to a low voltage. The cause of your neon sign's flickering or not glowing at all is probably a broken transformer. 

To replace the transformer, take it out of its current location and unscrew the screws holding it there. Next, connect the new transformer and screw it securely into position.

Neon sign care and maintenance

Neon signs often do not need much constant maintenance. Yes, you may need to replace the electrical components every few years or so because they have a limited lifespan, just like any other technical equipment. You can extend the life of your neon lights and keep them shining bright for many years to come by doing a few simple things, other than changing the converter when necessary and the glass tube when it breaks.

It is essential to clean your lovely neon sign occasionally to prevent dust and grime buildup. You may use a moist towel to gently clean your sign off or dust it off as needed. To prevent electrocution, please always turn off the sign's electricity before performing any repairs.

Turn Off the Power

As with other appliances, turn off the electricity when working with a neon sign. Unplug the power source. By doing this, you may shield the sign from further harm and avoid electrical shock.

Wear Protective Gear

Before beginning any neon sign DIY project, you must be ready. Wearing the appropriate safety gear is always a good idea. Put on safety goggles and protective gloves. Using insulated tools can also protect you from electrical risks and glass breakage.

Cost of Repairing a Neon Sign 

We would be happy to provide you with a general response to your inquiry on how much does it cost to fix a neon sign, but regrettably, it is not that simple. Since each neon sign is unique, any potential problems will also be unique to your neon sign, and how to fix your neon lights will mostly rely on the situation.

The positive thing is that replacing a single cracked glass system can be done for a very reasonable price. Replacement glass components can often be made and dispatched very quickly, and they are quite inexpensive because you do not have to buy the full neon sign again. 

Several criteria, like size and color, affect the cost of your new glass, which is why a personalized quotation is always necessary. To restore a broken neon sign, however, it is often quite simple and inexpensive to replace damaged glass components and defective converters.

Conclusion

Your neon sign will continue to be functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years if you maintain it properly and learn how to fix neon sign. However, neon signs have a lifespan and might experience several issues over time. Therefore, maintenance is always important when dealing with a neon sign.