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Hi, I am pretty stuck with this so I would hugely appreciate any tips!
I am not an electrician.
I designed a neon sign piece for a commercial property in USA: (image 1)
https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/oevDYqOm.jpg https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/gvi8m3wm.jpg
It has two neon transformers powering 4 tubes in total. (image 2) The transformers then connect to a voltage converter (image 3)And then into US mains power. (it also has LEDs but these are on a different circuit)
https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/v5wl2dSm.jpg https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/JDGAX4Em.jpg
The property has contacted me to say that one of the neon tubes has started to flicker, and they are very eager to fix this. (video 1)
video 1
We have been advised to try two things first:
It has now come to my attention that the mains plug that the neon is connected to is not easily accessible, so they can't easily turn the neon on and off. Before the property tries the above steps, they want to install an on / off switch to the neon light unit.
My first idea is that they could use a 'smart plug' to connect the unit to the mains - These are app & voice controlled so they could turn the neon on and off with this and also set a timer so that the neon isn't on all the time. Is this a good idea?
I am hoping someone can help me answer these queries:
I am not an electrician.
I designed a neon sign piece for a commercial property in USA: (image 1)
https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/oevDYqOm.jpg https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/gvi8m3wm.jpg
It has two neon transformers powering 4 tubes in total. (image 2) The transformers then connect to a voltage converter (image 3)And then into US mains power. (it also has LEDs but these are on a different circuit)
https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/v5wl2dSm.jpg https://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/JDGAX4Em.jpg
The property has contacted me to say that one of the neon tubes has started to flicker, and they are very eager to fix this. (video 1)
We have been advised to try two things first:
- Turn the neon light on and off several times
- Shorten the wires that connect the neon light to the voltage converter. (image 2)
It has now come to my attention that the mains plug that the neon is connected to is not easily accessible, so they can't easily turn the neon on and off. Before the property tries the above steps, they want to install an on / off switch to the neon light unit.
My first idea is that they could use a 'smart plug' to connect the unit to the mains - These are app & voice controlled so they could turn the neon on and off with this and also set a timer so that the neon isn't on all the time. Is this a good idea?
I am hoping someone can help me answer these queries:
- Is a smart plug appropriate in this context?
- Can anyone recommend a more appropriate type of switch?
- Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix the flickering bulb?
- Is this set up safe?
