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Electrical for Channel Letters
 To
help prevent fires, the National Electric Code and
Underwriters Laboratory require that all channel letter
signs containing neon use ground-fault protected neon
transformers.
To function their
best, these transformers need their electrical circuit to
have a grounding conductor. All modern buildings
have them. These transformers also require a dedicated
common wire so that other devices, like a refrigerator
turning “on”, on the same wire circuit does not turn your
GFI transformers “off.” If your building is not
wired properly you will want to have it corrected, so that
your sign will work reliably.
Signs Manufacturing
uses "France" standard neon transformers because unlike
ALL other
transformers these U.S. manufactured transformers contain
a "Smart" microprocessor that automatically tries to reset
the ground-fault before shutting down the transformer.
If the fault was only momentary, the transformer will
remain "on," illuminating your sign. These
transformers also automatically reset when their power is
turned off and then back on. They offer our
customers the greatest opportunity to avoid service calls.
 Our
newly-developed energy-saving in-series transformers also
contain “Smart” microprocessors. The related costs
of the two different types of transformers with neon
lighting, as well as LED lighting, is explained under our
"Energy
Savings" tab under our "Lighting
Choices" tab.
Each neon transformer
is warranted for two years from its manufacturing date.
Translux high-voltage
silicone-insulated wire will be used during neon
installation, even though it is four times more expensive
than some neon wire, to insure against transformer
“nuisance tripping”, arcing, fires, and potential service
calls caused by neon transformer outputs as high as 15,000
volts.
 Glass
tube/wire supports and porcelain insulators will be used
because they do not degrade over time, unlike the plastic
and clay components used by some.
Our illuminated signs
are manufactured and installed to Underwriter's
Laboratory, National Electrical Code (National Fire
Protection Association), and City Code standards using UL
components.
If a raceway is
incorporated into the sign, glass neon electrode housings
are employed to increase reliability and improve the
appearance of the sign.
 
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