Firemans switch

[Farmelectrics]

Can someone refresh my mind I have to get supply to new neon sign tommorow I no the drill swa cable to firemans switch then on to me on sign we have one of these due to high voltages in the neon light but were do we get these high voltages from if we're only giving it a 230v supply I've had this before but can't remember your help please

 

[Moses]

Can someone refresh my mind I have to get supply to new neon sign tommorow I no the drill swa cable to firemans switch then on to me on sign we have one of these due to high voltages in the neon light but were do we get these high voltages from if we're only giving it a 230v supply I've had this before but can't remember your help please

From the ballasts?

 

[micknew]

Transformer in the neon gear tray.

 

[arkin]

Can someone refresh my mind I have to get supply to new neon sign tommorow I no the drill swa cable to firemans switch then on to me on sign we have one of these due to high voltages in the neon light but were do we get these high voltages from if we're only giving it a 230v supply I've had this before but can't remember your help please

you av a transformer for neons

 

[Farmelectrics]

Thanks lads but what voltage does the tx give out

 

[needasparks]

Neon operates at high voltage via transformers between 5-10kv dependant on tube runs with built in earth leakage trips in the transformer.
be aware there are some old transformers still about that do not have the trips in and are illegal to use now for commercial use.
Been a while since i've done neon as everyone has moved on to led or cold cathode nowdays, can be an art to fit correctly.

 

[Guest55]

The actual switch itself is not designed for any high voltages , its designed so a fireman can reach up and lock it off using his axe-pick tip whilst stood on the ground , thus isolating exterior signs which will have high voltage ballasts.
There is a specific height for it to be mounted but cant remember , around the 9 ft mark if i recall.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Thanks needs sparks explain a bit more what cold cathode light are please

 

[Farmelectrics]

I'm aware of that biff just couldn't remember we're the high voltage came from will check reqs in morning for hight of switch thanks for your input

 

[needasparks]

yes as biff says, there is a set of regs for the install. have a copy somewhere but may be to 16th as not done any for ages. will see if i can find them. some extra items may be stipulated dependant on the property its installed as most of what i used to fit was on licenced buildings over the years so the 7671 was only a guideline.

 

[Knobhead]

Neons are usualy 3 to 5KV. so watch where you put you're pinkies.

 

[Farmelectrics]

So if it was an led sign obviously there would be no need for a firemans switch

 

[Farmelectrics]

Thanks tony was wondering what voltages they were

 

[needasparks]

Masonlite are one of the big suppliers and have some good info on their web for regs and calculations and will give you an idea of the transformers you may come across. as said nomal voltages you will find for a standard shopfront will be 5,7.5 and 10kv but you will find self contained baby ones around 3kv and are not much bigger than a lv tranny. good luck.

 

[JUD]

Just found this on Google...

Neon FART TRANSFORMER

Anybody got wind

 

[Des 56]

Just found this on Google...

Neon FART TRANSFORMER

Anybody got wind

It must be an original air cooled transformer then lol

 

[ipf]

Just found this on Google...

Neon FART TRANSFORMER

Anybody got wind

You may sit on it, instead of a cushion:smile5:

 

[bawall]

firemans switch 537.6 no higher than 2.75m from the ground coulourd red and its off position at the top

 

[Engineer54]

Many of the modern Neon shop front signage are now down to 1 to 1.5KV.

The position of these fireman switches now seem to be at the discretion of the local fire chief. I know that you won't see a single fireman's switch on a shop frontage at the Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, they are all mounted in designated service corridor cupboards!! Which to me completely defeats the whole idea of a shop's fireman's safety switch. Can't honestly say i have noticed any fireman switches at other large shopping centre complexes in the UK either, so i reckon the same situation applies ... lol!!