Can neon signs be repaired?
As one of the UK’s leading producers of neon signs, we’re often asked if we can repair neon signs. We’ve won some very prestigious awards for our neon signs, so hopefully this guide answers some of the questions you may have if you’re neon light isn’t working as it should.
We’ve worked with some of the most renowned names in the art world, including The Royal Academy, Murder Me, Science (UK), Jealous and Halcyon, helping them realise their vision. We can help you too.
Help with broken neon lights
Neon lighting started off as an internal light-source for general signage, but having been superseded for that purpose by LEDs, neon signs have now become more of a niche product. We’re often asked to produce neons for branding, events and neon art, so they’re still alive and well but unfortunately fewer signage companies now make real neon and the Heritage Crafts Association has put the art of making neon on its endangered ‘Red List’.
But we’re determined to help neon signage boom, and if looked after properly, neon signs can last for decades.
The good news is that the Heritage Craft Association lists Carousel Lights as an expert, and we can help you out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Neon signs should only be examined and repaired by competent experts. This information is intended as a guide to help your expert deduce what the problem may be and then to help direct them to an appropriate neon sign company to resolve the problem.
If your neon sign isn’t working then it’s vital to turn the sign off, leave it turned off, and contact an expert such as ourselves who can advise on the repair.
Neon is often seen as a mystical medium that’s difficult to understand, but when a neon art piece is broken down into it’s constituent parts, it actually only consists for 3 core elements: (i) One or more sections of glass that have been bent into shape and filled with Neon or Argon, (ii) a transformer to change the voltage from the mains supply to the level required for the section(s) of glass, and (iii) specialist ‘HT’ cable that connects the transformer to the glass.
That of course makes it sound simple, but invariably there’s a fair bit of devil in the detail that we work through in order to make sure the vision you have for your neon art comes to life as closely as possible as to how you imagine.
Can neon signs be repaired?
Yes, neon signs can be repaired. That said, there are several points to consider as there’s a fair bit of devil in the detail that’s important to understand.
Where was your neon sign originally made?
Different countries use different techniques and different components to make their neon signs. For example, the famous Budweiser Bowtie neon has it’s blackout paint dipped in a tank of paint whereas in the UK blackout paint is typically applied using a brush. How the sign was originally made may also dictate whether replacement parts (eg glass colour and transformer type) are available for the repair.
Where is your neon sign located?
Neon glass is fairly delicate meaning you may choose to approach a neon sign company close to yourself to make logistics a little simpler.
What causes a neon sign to stop working?
If we think about the components of a neon sign then that will help work out why it may have stopped working – or be working intermittently. Those key components are;
- Mains power supply and connection
- Neon transformer
- HT cables connecting the transformer to the glass tubes
- Glass tubes
- Electrodes where the HT cables connect to the glass
- HT cables connecting glass tubes to each other
Troubleshooting neon signs that don’t work – the main elements of a neon sign
The power connection to the main supply needs to be appropriate. If hardwired then the connectors need to be suitable for the wiring. If a wall-plug is being used then the fuse needs to be appropriate.
The transformer needs to be the appropriate transformer for the neon light in question. Some transformers self-regulate whilst others need to be compatible with the neon sign that is being illuminated. Neon transformers can get warm – and some can make a slight buzzing noise – but they shouldn’t get very hot.
The neon tubes (made from glass) should illuminate evenly and with no flickering. There are several causes of neon signs flickering including transformer issue and impurities in the glass. If your neon sign is flickering then turn it off and contact an expert for advice.
Sometimes neon signs are dropped and the glass tubes are evidently broken. It can also be the case that glass tubes crack to a degree whereby the crack is barely visible but it’s still enough for inert gas to escape, meaning your neon sign won’t work. We can check this in the workshop.
Who can repair my neon sign?
There are several great sign companies in the UK who can repair your neon signs, including Carousel Lights. Just send us a few pictures of your sign – including the transformer and the neon tubes – and we’ll be able to help you out.
The simple 6 step process
It’s easier than you think
1. Your bright idea
Let us know your initial thoughts
2. A few questions
We’ll need some more details before we begin
3. The proposal
We’ll share our initial designs with you
4. Give it the thumbs up
Delighted with our design? Great – it’s time to pay
5. Let’s get to work!
We’ll start producing your design
6. Delivering the goods
Your design delivered to your door
"A HUGE thank-you! You'ce created such a 'wow-factor' light installation that's far better than we could ever have imagined. Everyone has been so professional and helpful every step of the way!"
Thank you so much for the light - it looked AMAZING! We've decided to keep it up and it'll no doubt stay there!