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Rarely does a neon gas filled sign go dim. If so, it is usually a problem with a neon transformer not being able to fully light up the sign. If the transformer is magnetically inductive, it will flash or "flicker" the neon tube. If the transformer is electronic/high frequency, it may get weak and dim it's output. Electronic Transformers generate their output power by modulating their output very very fast, creating high frequency waveforms (almost like a radio antenna) that make the gas molecules dance around.
Most commonly, an ARGON filled neon tube will go dim, especially in cold weather. The Mercury that is used in conjunction with the Argon fill gas condenses from a gaseous state, back into little tiny droplets. When this happens, the ultraviolet light that the mercury produces is no longer emitting, and just the weak lavender-colored Argon lights up. Without the mercury vapor, the phosphore coating on the inside of the neon tube will not properly light up.
So, the root cause of a dim neon sign (peerhaps more fittingly called an ARGON-MERCURY SIGN, but nobody ever makes the distinction) is missing or condensed mercury.
I can often remove a dimmed out tube from a sign, tumble the mercury around inside by rotating it in all different directions (especially important to get some of the mercury pellets into both of the electrodes - hopefully wetting the outside of the electrode shell), and re-light up the tube. By getting the mercury into both electrode ends, the mercury will heat up, vaporize, and distribute thruought the tube... making it bright again. this can take hours and must be left on in a warmer environment.
Keep in mind ALL phosphore coated neon tubes, when used with Argon/Mercury (herein after abbreviated to Hg) and even sometimes Neon gas, will depreciate their output due to the phosphores having a limited lifespan. Wiki "halflife".
Also... be aware that many electronic transformers condense the Hg by virtue of an unbalanced waveform in their output. If there is a DC component in the AC wave, that bias can actually draw the Hg to one side of a tube, making a tube bright on one side and dim on the other. This normally does not happen with magnetic/exterior neon transformers.
NEON USES HIGH VOLTAGE AND CAN BE DANGEROUS. NEVER HOLD A NEON TUBE WHEN IT IS PLUGGED IN UNLESS YOU ARE VERY EXPERIENCED AT DOING SO AND ARE AWARE OF THE SHOCK DANGERS. IF YOU DO NOT PROPERLY WIRE A NEON SIGN IT CAN EASILY START A FIRE!!!!
What else can I help you with?
Is a glowing neon sign a physical change?
Yes, a glowing neon sign represents a physical change because the neon gas inside the sign undergoes a change in energy state to emit light. This change is reversible and does not alter the chemical composition of the neon gas.
Why does a ray of light within a neon sign bend when a magnet is held up to it?
When a magnet is held up to a neon sign, the magnetic field interacts with the electrons in the gas inside the sign, causing the electrons to move in a particular direction. This movement of electrons can affect the path of the light rays passing through the gas, causing the ray of light to bend.
Does light from a neon sign have a continuous spectrum explain?
Honey, neon signs may be flashy, but their light ain't that special. The light they emit actually has a discrete spectrum, not a continuous one. Each gas in the sign gives off specific wavelengths of light, creating those bright and colorful displays you see on the streets.
How do the wavelength and frequency of an X-ray compare with those of the red light from a neon sign?
X-rays have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies compared to the red light from a neon sign. X-rays have wavelengths in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, while red light wavelengths are around 620-750 nanometers. This difference in wavelength results in X-rays having much higher frequencies than red light.
What state of matter is present in neon signs?
Neon signs are basically glass tubes filled with gas and vapor so the major states of matter would be solid (for the glass) and gas.http:/enzperiodzwikipediazperiodzorg/wiki/Neon_sign
Is the element neon dull or shiny?
Neon is neither dull nor shiny as it is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas. It is usually found in its gaseous state and does not have a particular luster or sheen.
Is neon gas in a neon sign an element?
Neon from a neon sign is an element. It has the symbol Ne and is in group 18 which is noble gasses.
Why would someone need to know things about a neon sign?
To build a neon sign factory.
What is involved with installing a neon open sign for a store?
The installation of a neon 'open' sign for a store can be as simple as mounting it to a window and plugging it in. But be careful! The neon sign is made from glass and is very fragile!
What is a lighted sign?
Neon
What is the difference between an electronic sign and a neon sign?
Neon signs, by definition, must contain the element neon, which glows when an electric current passes through it (although the term is sometimes more broadly applied to signs containing other nobel gasses). An electric sign is simply any sign that requires electricity. The difference between an electronic sign and a neon sign is electric sign requires electricity to function. On the other hand, neon sign reflects other lights to work.
Is neon yellow shiny or dull in elements?
Neon yellow generally appears bright and vibrant, so it would be more likely to have a shiny or glossy finish in design elements. Dull finishes are more associated with muted or matte colors.
What is the regular configuration of a neon beer sign?
The configuration of a neon beer sign depends on the size of the sign. The standard neon beer sign uses less power than a 75 watt light bulb. The average neon beer sign uses 120 volt electric plugs and measure roughly 24 by 17 inches.
Is a glowing neon sign a physical change?
Yes, a glowing neon sign represents a physical change because the neon gas inside the sign undergoes a change in energy state to emit light. This change is reversible and does not alter the chemical composition of the neon gas.
What is hyperbole example of someone who is beautiful?
She is so beautiful she makes the sun seem dull
What is a sign lighting gas?
Neon
Is neon gas in a neon sign a compound?
No, neon gas in a neon sign is not a compound. Neon gas is an element, a noble gas with the chemical symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is used in neon signs because it emits a bright red-orange light when electricity passes through it.
