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 Frequently Asked Questions
 

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Question? an answer is simply an e-mail away at Salesdept@JantecNeon.com

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Index:
 

• What size letters should I get on my Neon Sign?

• How long will my transformer last?

• What do I do if my transformer fails?

• Can I get a dimmer for my sign?

• Can I make my sign flash (on and off)?

• I installed my sign, and now I have interference on my telephone or television set. What do I do?

• Do you make Window Border Neon?

• How much does it cost to operate my neon sign?

• Can I place my sign outdoors?

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• What size letters should I get on my Neon Sign? As a general rule of thumb, your letters will be legible up to 38 feet away for each inch of letter height. The following chart shows some standard letter heights and their maximum legible distances.

   

  Letter Height	Max. Readable Distance
  4"	152 feet
  5"	190 feet
  6"	228 feet
  8"	304 feet
  10"	380 feet
  12"	456 feet

  Note that Red Neon letters are most readable, followed by Pink, Green, Turquoise.  (Blues, Purples and Yellows are least readable and are usually recommended for borders.) Black or Smoked backings will also increase the visibility of your sign.
  
  Upper & Lower cased letter combinations ( Sample ) are more readable than all upper case letters ( SAMPLE ) and increase your Maximum Readable Distance.
  
  
   

• How long will my transformer last?  Your transformer is included with your sign and integrally mounted within your sign such that you simply hang your sign up and plug it in. Generally the transformer will last from 5 - 7 years. Some will fail earlier, and many will easily last 10-15 years. Things that affect transformer life are heat, and electrical surges / consistency of your electrical supply. 
  
   

• What do I do if my transformer fails?  Your transformer is warranted for 1 year from the date of purchase. If it fails you may return your sign (click here for our warranty information) to our factory. Upon receipt we will replace the transformer and ship the sign back to you.  Note that if your sign is no longer under warranty you will be billed $55 for a new transformer and also for the shipping cost to return your sign to you.
  
  Another option, which saves you the trouble of returning your sign,  is to order a new transformer which can easily be installed by any qualified handyman who is familiar with electricity. This requires payment ($55 plus $6.95 shipping) for your new transformer. However, you will receive credit for your old transformer when you return it to us (as long as it is less than one year old).
  
   

• Can I get a dimmer for my sign?  You may order your sign with a dimmable transformer for $28 extra (per transformer). These transformers have a knob next to the on-off pull chain which allows you to adjust the brightness of the sign. If you already have a sign, you must order a new transformer with the dimmable option ($55 for the transformer + $28 for the dimming option = $83 total cost). You can then replace your current transformer (must be done by a qualified electrician) and then dim your sign. Note that our dimming transformer is self adjusting and will replace other transformers rated up to 10,000 volts.
  
  It is important that you do not use any other dimming device (such as a light dimmer you can buy at your hardware store) as it may damage your transformer, cause your sign to fail, and possibly create a fire hazard. Your neon sign requires special dimming circuitry (to limit the current but not the voltage - most commercial lamp dimmers simply limit the voltage) which is contained in these dimmable transformers. See our NEON ACCESSORIES page.

• Can I make my sign flash (on and off)?  You may order your sign with a flashing transformer ($28 extra) which allows you to either have the sign on all the time, or have it flash. It also allows you to adjust the flashing speed. Again, there is an adjustment knob next to the on-off pull chain which controls the flashing function.
  
  This will only work if your sign has one transformer (most signs fall into this category). If you have a larger sign with multiple transformers you will have to purchase an external flashing box (call for quote and details). See our NEON ACCESSORIES page.

• I installed my sign, and now I have interference on my telephone or television set. What do I do?   Interference is very rare, we have on average a single complaint out of every 4,000 neon signs installed. Generally, the sign is not the single source of interference, but simply "the straw that broke the camel's back". In other words, the existing interference is now more noticeable. The easiest solution is to purchase an interference filter (the type that plugs into your outlet, then you plug the sign into the filter) at your local Radio Shack, or other electronics store. These are inexpensive. Check to make sure that your phone line, or TV antenna does not pass in close proximity to the sign, relocate it if possible. Generally, these steps will take care of 90% of interference problems. If your problem persists, you may want a professional electrician to look at your wiring as you may have issues there that should be addressed.  

• Do you make Window Border Neon?   Yes!! We have recently started producing window border tubing for indoor applications only. You may visit our Window Border Tubing page by clicking the button on the left side of the page.

• How much does it cost to operate my neon sign?   Neon signs are extremely efficient. The reason they look so bright is because all of the output is focused within a small wavelength band of light. The average neon sign only consumes about .8 amps ( 8 tenths of an amp). This equates to about 96 watts (about equal to a single light bulb). Average cost to operate your neon sign is only about 20 cents per day (if you operate it 24 hours per day).

• Can I place my sign outdoors?   Our neon signs are designed for indoor use. They can be used outdoors as long as they are protected from rain (including blowing rain), dew, snow, and ice. Examples would be outdoor under a porch roof, or mounted up high under a significant roof overhang. We recommend that you purchase a clear Lexan® cover to protect your sign if you intend to use it in this manner. While sunlight will not hurt your sign, it is important that you mount your sign in a location where it will not get damp or wet.