Bright and attractive, neon signs are everywhere. Businesses can use them to draw attention to their wares and boost sales; individuals can use them to decorate their homes or as the focus of photo opportunities; and everyone can use them to make their homes seem more like a home. However, if your neon sign burns out, fixing it might be a hassle.

Longevity and toughness are two hallmarks of high-quality neon signs. However, whether you've had your neon sign for two years or five, it's inevitable that it will have some problems at some point. Even though they may all look the same from a distance, not all neon signs are made to the same high quality and level.

Common causes of non functioning neon signs include broken tubing, flashing signs, and faulty transformers. But this doesn't necessarily mean the neon sign needs to go. Check out this manual if you're having similar issues with your neon sign to learn if they can be fixed.

When Neon Signs Can Still Be Repaired

Once someone asks if a neon sign can be fixed, the next logical question is usually, "How well is the sign made?" To rephrase, if a neon sign is made from top-notch components, any defects will leap off the page. In most cases, a technician will be able to tell from the sign alone whether or not there is a problem with the transformer or the voltage.

If you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can also perform minor repairs. Bolts and screws can be taken apart, wiped out, and replaced with fresh ones as needed. A neon sign should be turned off properly. Never touch a sign's transformer while it's on, as it can generate voltages as high as 12,000 volts.

Do not attempt DIY maintenance or repairs on an older neon sign. Put it in the hands of experts. Older, non-compliant neon signs pose a threat to pedestrians and motorists alike. Incorrectly dealing with the transformers can be dangerous due to the tremendous voltages they produce (typically exceeding 15,000 volts). Neon signs of a certain vintage may also feature leaded glass.

When Neon Signs Are Unrepairable

There are a few scenarios where your neon sign might be considered beyond repair. The first consideration is whether or not it would be more cost-effective to just replace the neon sign with a brand-new one. It requires effort and time because most of the parts need to be adjusted to fit your sign.

The sign's age and the components used to create the gas and the glass are the next factors to think about. For example, mercury and lead were used in the production of some earlier versions of neon signs. Many repair firms may refuse to work on signs containing these components because they are too risky to handle.

If you are still unclear, please email us an image of a neon sign along with any relevant details you may have. The optimal course of action is not obvious, but we can point you in the right direction.

What Causes Neon Lights to Fail?

A neon sign could stop working for a number of different causes. However, the internal electrical issue is the most typical cause. Broken or shorted cables are a common cause of internal electrical problems because they reduce the amount of power that can be transferred from the transformer to the display.

If the neon light is flickering or blinking, then it means there are electrical problems on the inside.

You can use a voltmeter or multimeter to test the voltage in each potential trouble spot to determine which connection is faulty. If the wiring is fine, the problem could be caused by insufficient voltage from the generator; a step-up transformer would be the solution.

The following are some more causes of a broken neon sign:

• The sign is dark because neon gas is escaping through a broken tube and not being captured by ions. The option to replace the glass tube with a new one or to refill the old one might be considered.
• If the transformer is faulty, the neon sign may flicker or just glow weakly. Buying a new transformer is the simplest solution to this issue.

These Are the Signs That Your Neon Signs Need Maintenance

Flickering Lights

Neon sign repair services should be contacted if the neon in your sign is blinking on and off. The high-voltage power needs of neon lighting suggest that a defective transformer may be the blame.

A storm, some water, or even just a lot of use can all cause problems with your electrical system, including a short circuit.

In order to avoid getting shocked by the high voltage, it is best to let a professional handle the evaluation and repairs.

When deciding whether or not to use a sign company, consider whether or not your sign is brand new. Mercury and argon reactions power many neon signs, however mercury used in newer signs can sometimes be still a liquid or solid rather than a gas.

Wait a few days and observe if enough mercury evaporates from your neon sign for the argon to react with it and cease the flashing. Since mercury isn't used in red neon lights, a malfunctioning electrical system is likely to blame if the new red lights are flashing.

Dim Lights

It is time for repairs if your lighting isn't performing as well as it should. Your glass tubes may be broken, even if the crack is imperceptible to the naked eye. Your lamp's gases can escape via the crack in the glass and fresh air can enter.

The amount of neon gas (in the case of red lights) or argon gas (in the case of other colours) is too low for the ions to react with one another and produce the usual bright light.

Don't freak out if the brightness of your sign gradually decreases; neon and argon gases are safe and non-toxic. However, fixing a leaking tube can be difficult and sometimes necessitates purchasing a new one. The service you hire to fix your neon sign can isolate the defective tube while leaving the others alone.

Dead Lights

There are numerous causes that could prevent your neon sign from lighting up. A possible cause of electricity not reaching its destination is damaged insulation in your tubes. One or more of the sign's internal wires may have been frayed or shorted.

Turn off your sign's power supply to prevent fires, and have sign companies check the wiring to see whether it can be replaced quickly.

If a neon sign dims gradually and then won't light on, the gas may have leaked out of the tubes.

Now that they're inflated with air, they no longer contain the necessary ingredients to emit light. Fixing your neon sign means swapping out all of the tubes for brand new ones brimming with neon gas.

Last but not least, it's also possible that issues with the building's electrical system, rather than the sign, are to blame. It's possible that the outlet you're using is faulty, or that the building you're in isn't correctly grounded.

If everything else in your business is functioning normally, but your neon sign is giving you trouble, consider plugging it into a new outlet or calling for electrical repairs. If it doesn't work, try signing up with some other companies.

Shattered Lights

Do not plug in your neon sign to check if the tubes are still good if you discover its glass has been broken upon entering your store. Instead, carefully sweep up the broken glass and call a business that fixes neon signs.

The sign may need to be replaced if the cracked glass compromised the wiring. However, if the problem is limited to the tubes, the repair service should be able to replace them.

Standard Sign Maintenance and Fixes

There are several distinct repair services to be aware of as you think about sign maintenance. Some of the best choices for fixing your sign are listed below:

Repair of Commercial Signs

Repairing commercial signs is typically the least complicated aspect of signage. In some cases, maintenance or repairs will be required for these signs because of deterioration, such as peeling or cracking of the graphics. In addition to the occasional burnt-out bulb, business signs' lighting fixtures can sometimes go bad and require repair.

Damaged or poorly lit signs are a terrible reflection on your business and should be fixed without delay.

A professional sign repair service will also be able to evaluate the situation and make the necessary repairs.

A fading sign, for instance, may have several potential causes. A qualified repairman may analyse the sign to find out what's causing its fading and then fix it so the colours are as bright as they were when they were first installed.

The top experts can also take preventative measures, such as installing a new laminate, to ensure that the fading problem does not recur.

It's important to look for the following qualities in a repair expert:

• Assessment: In order to fix the sign properly, the repair service needs to investigate the cause of the fading.
• Methods of Restoration: Restoring your sign to its original colours should be something the pros are able to explain to you in advance of the work being done.
• Prevention Features: Upon completion of the restoration, the provider should inform you of the additional features they offer to combat fading.
• Fixing the Light: The technicians you hire to fix your sign should be prepared to fix or replace any bulbs that have burned out.
• Safety: If your personnel are serious about meeting industry standards, they'll take the time to remedy any safety concerns raised by your sign.
• Check for rust, rot, and erosion: During the sign repair procedure, the company should be on the lookout for these problems and ready with a strategy to fix or prevent them.
• Correct and accurate data: Technicians that respond to your need for help should be well-versed about the problem for which you're seeking assistance and the solutions to that problem. And they should be forthright about what they plan to do next.

Companies that fix signs should be able to assist you get the most out of your investment by repairing signs quickly and effectively. If you have seen any signs of deterioration, poor lighting, diminished readability, or anything else that is causing you trouble, it is recommended that you contact a commercial sign repair provider.

Repairing Neon Signs

Neon signs can only be repaired properly by someone who has experience with and an understanding of neon. Neon signs are frequently used by establishments that wish to attract customers' eyes with their vibrant hues and inviting light. Even while neon lights are strong and long-lasting, they do occasionally break.

By getting your sign's neon lights repaired, you can keep the light shining brightly. A damaged light might detract from the sign's overall appearance and draw unwanted attention to it. Since neon requires special care to maintain its original appearance, a sign repair business should be familiar with how to work with it.

Repairing Pylon Sign

A common method of displaying this kind of advertising is on poles set at a great height. To attract the attention of passing cars, pylon signage are frequently employed. These signs are susceptible to fading and weather damage and may need to be replaced at some point. When this occurs, it's best to have an expert come in and assess the damage.

Since many pylon signs are installed on poles, it is important for a sign repair service to have the means to safely hoist an employee to the top of the sign so they may inspect it.

There is also the possibility that the sign poses a concern to public safety if it was put improperly and isn't securely fastened to the pole. As part of the restoration process, a professional will tighten the mounting of your signage and restore any damaged graphics.

Keep Your Neon Signs Safe

The ideal approach to maintain your business looking well-decorated and risk-free is to keep your signs far away from any places where they could be damaged. To avoid breaking the bulbs in your neon signs, you should only use a mild soap and exercise extreme caution when cleaning them.

Use sturdy nails or command hooks to safely suspend your placards. In addition to checking your signs for stress or cracks on a regular basis, you should also avoid placing them in areas where they could be damaged by accidental contact, such as near doorways. To find out what to do, contact reputable repair shops or the stores where you often purchase neon signs.

Conclusion

Neon signs are not always manufactured to the same standard of excellence. Broken tubing, flashing signs, and malfunctioning transformers are common causes of non-functioning neon signs.

A sign will let a technician know if there is an issue with the transformer or the voltage. Do not try to fix or maintain an ancient neon sign on your own. Outdated neon signs that don't meet current regulations are a hazard to both pedestrians and drivers.

The transformers pose a risk if handled improperly. Leaded glass is sometimes used in old neon signs. If the neon in your sign keeps going on and off, you should get in touch with a neon sign repair provider.

Most neon signs are powered by mercury and argon processes, however mercury employed in more recent signs may still be in the form of a liquid or solid. In red lights, neon gas (or argon gas) concentrations are too low for ion reactions.

A leak in the neon tubes could be the blame for a sign's gradual dimming and eventual inability to light up. Both neon and argon are non-toxic and safe to breathe, although repairing a leaking tube can be a hassle.

To fix a neon sign, you need to purchase new tubes and fill them with neon gas. Try switching to a different outlet or getting the neon sign professionally repaired if it continues to act up. Broken or dimly lit signs are a poor representation of your company and should be repaired immediately.

Content Summary

• However, if your neon sign burns out, fixing it might be a hassle.
• Longevity and toughness are two hallmarks of high-quality neon signs.
• Common causes of non functioning neon signs include broken tubing, flashing signs, and faulty transformers.
• But this doesn't necessarily mean the neon sign needs to go.
• Check out this manual if you're having similar issues with your neon sign to learn if they can be fixed.
• If you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can also perform minor repairs.
• A neon sign should be turned off properly.
• Do not attempt DIY maintenance or repairs on an older neon sign.
• Put it in the hands of experts.
• The sign's age and the components used to create the gas and the glass are the next factors to think about.
• A neon sign could stop working for a number of different causes.
• The internal electrical issue is the most typical cause.
• If the neon light is flickering or blinking, then it means there are electrical problems on the inside.
• The option to replace the glass tube with a new one or to refill the old one might be considered.
• If the transformer is faulty, the neon sign may flicker or just glow weakly.
• Buying a new transformer is the simplest solution to this issue.
• The high-voltage power needs of neon lighting suggest that a defective transformer may be the blame.
• Wait a few days and observe if enough mercury evaporates from your neon sign for the argon to react with it and cease the flashing.
• It is time for repairs if your lighting isn't performing as well as it should.
• However, fixing a leaking tube can be difficult and sometimes necessitates purchasing a new one.
• There are numerous causes that could prevent your neon sign from lighting up.
• If a neon sign dims gradually and then won't light on, the gas may have leaked out of the tubes.
• Fixing your neon sign means swapping out all of the tubes for brand new ones brimming with neon gas.
• Last but not least, it's also possible that issues with the building's electrical system, rather than the sign, are to blame.
• If everything else in your business is functioning normally, but your neon sign is giving you trouble, consider plugging it into a new outlet or calling for electrical repairs.
• Instead, carefully sweep up the broken glass and call a business that fixes neon signs.
• The sign may need to be replaced if the cracked glass compromised the wiring.
• However, if the problem is limited to the tubes, the repair service should be able to replace them.
• Repairing commercial signs is typically the least complicated aspect of signage.
• Damaged or poorly lit signs are a terrible reflection on your business and should be fixed without delay.

FAQs About Neon Lights and Signs