Hiding a neon sign transformer?

[z28dad]

Guys I have a rather larger Chevy bow-tie neon sign that has been custom made. It basically has no frame. The guy I bought it from, said to hang it on some hooks.

I'm thinking of mounting it to some black plexiglass. I want to install it on the wall / gable area of my scissor trusses.

The problem is, what do I do with the transformer, which is fairly large? I was originally going to mount it to the wall, next to the floor, then run the two gto wires in separate conduits to the sign. I want more of a finish look, but don't really think putting those wires in the wall is a good idea, even if they are in conduit. I'm also not sure if there is a wire "distance" limitations on these things.

Anybody have any experience with these things? Thanks, Russ

 

[jayrush13]

I wouldn't put the wires in the wall if you ever plan on getting any inspections in the future.

It is against the NEC to have neon signs in a dwelling that have an open circuit voltage exceeding 1000 volt

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

How big is this neon bow-tie?

You might want to check out this website before you try to mount the sign:
http://www.steinville.com/neon_repair.htm

I like your idea of using black plexi to mount behind it; I would probably try to find some mirrored plexi (non-conductive!) to give it some extra 'bling'.

If it were mine, I'd use a plywood base (to be mounted flush to the wall). On the plywood, I would build a double channel out of plywood strips to create essentially a double-walled shadow box. The channel would be wide enough to mount the transformer within. I would mount the transformer in the upper channel and drill some large holes (hidden from view) to allow the heat of the transformer to dissipate upwards. I would cap the channel/frame with polished aluminum sheet or something decorative or just more plywood strips. You might even want to use translucent plexi strips to cap the channel of the shadowbox and install some rope light LEDs around the inside of the channel. Think modern Christmas lights! On the inner frame of the shadowbox, I would glue in some 2X2 stock to the plywood backing to act as a standoff mount for the black plexi. This area between the plexi and plywood would be your wire chase to run the high voltage leads up to the transformer.

My description is probably 'clear as mud', but I hope it gives you some ideas.
Good score on the neon, and good luck on the project. You will post some pictures of your 'Chevy Bow-Tie Neon' thread, won't you!

 

[z28dad]

Thanks guys for the replies. I will definitely leave the wires out of the wall. Omphaloskeptic, I like your idea alot. I will probably go that route. I would say that this bowtie is about 36" wide by 16" tall. I will post a pic once installed. I'm still wiring the garage and needed to get an idea on where the transformer will be located. Since the transformer will be in the "box" and near the ceiling, I will also put the receptacle on a switch.

I will keep you guys posted. Thanks, Russ

 

[N8]

How big is the sign?
Cant be that big of a transfromer.
Do you know if it's 10mm / 12mm or 15.// neon
With either on a smaller sign we are talking minimal amps (not something you want to play with though)
Anyhow should only be about 2 2/1" x 4" unless there are other associated internal electrical elements being used such as a pull chain / switch.

What we typically do is place the transformer behind the "black plex". Then use stand offs to peg it to, yet away, from the wall, Then take that same black plex and form a 1" return around the perimeter of the outer black shapes. (use a good durabond acrylic glue) this will completely seal the transformer and make it look like your piece is on a cool base.

 

[N8]

I forgot to mention.
Drill a few weep holes on the bottom or top where you can not see it, so the transformer can "Breathe"

 

[Norcal]

I wouldn't put the wires in the wall if you ever plan on getting any inspections in the future.

It is against the NEC to have neon signs in a dwelling that have an open circuit voltage exceeding 1000 volt

Neon sign X-formers have output voltages of 7500 - 15000V so they are not kosher code-wise.

 

[nehog]

Do NOT put secondary neon tube wires in a wall or other enclosed space... Trust me, eventually they break down, and something bad will happen (seen it happen, fortunately wasn't in a wall). You can get creative and use (if you can find it) that translucent spark plug wire to help hide or pretty it up some.

 

[z28dad]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry Ive been so slow responding. I have some pics of the sign and transformer.

The sign is roughly 37" long, 13"tall, and 1-5/8 " wide.

Here is the space I want to place it.:

I have already placed a recessed electrical box up there and ran a switch leg, so that I can turn the sign off and on from the floor.

Here is some pics of the transformer. I will most likely be getting a newer one. I noticed the ground prong is broken in the plug, plus it hums pretty loud. This transformer is 7-3/4" long, 3-1/4" tall and 4" wide. I have also included a pic of the nameplate data. Not sure why the thing is humming, its probably an older one that he had laying around.

What do you guys think about building a recessed box in the wall to mount the transformer and then still building a plexiglass standoff so that it could breath. I could also vent it to the attic area.

Thanks, Russ

 

[Norcal]

"What do you guys think about building a recessed box in the wall to mount the transformer and then still building a plexiglass standoff so that it could breath. I could also vent it to the attic area."

You are already lacking fire blocking in the framing, venting it into a hot attic is not a good idea. Use a dark solid colored plexiglass to mount the tubing & mount the X-former to the back of the plastic, then mount the sign to the wall w/ standoffs.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

You say it hums pretty loudly; maybe it just doesn't know the words!

I'm frankly surprised it hums loudly, being 'Made In Canada', I would think it would have better manners than that, eh?

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

That neon DIY website I mentioned above might help you solve the humming problem. Good Luck and keep us posted on this project. I'm sure a lot of us would like to add some cool neon to our man caves.

 

[z28dad]

Thanks guys, for all the ideas. I will keep you posted. Russ

 

[larryv]

I had a friend of mine that does neon work make me a larger version of the Dale Jr 8 that normally comes mounted on a metal frame. This one is mounted on black Plexi glass that was bent 90 degrees top and bottom so the 2inch thick transformer would fit behind. I have had this sign for 6 years now with no problems of overheating. Good Luck

 

[z28dad]

Thanks for the pic Larry. Looks like a cool sign and a nice shop. I will keep you guys posted. It will probably be a bit as I have alot to finish before I'm ready for the sign. I do have the wiring in place now.

 

[sunnypopali]

hey z28dad,

I know bright led company which offers neon sign related services... i am not remembering the exact name of technical guy behind customizing signs but you can get in touch with with them here - http://www.neonsigns4you.com/pages/contact_us.html , may be some kind of technical help you can get...

Anyways I am not subject expert -i liked the Chevrolet sign

 

[z28dad]

Thanks for the link sunnypopali. I will check them out.

 

[sunnypopali]

You're welcome