How to Repair a Neon Light
- 1). Determine if you have a broken tube. Insulated gloves should be worn at all times during testing and repair. Unplug the light and gently wiggle the tubes. Move down the tubes in 3-inch intervals and wiggle the tubes. Check the tubes for cracks as you wiggle them.
- 2). Test the transformer. Disconnect the lead wires to the tubes. An insulation boot is used to connect the wires to the tubes. A heat gun or hair dryer can be use to expand the boot. This makes removal easier. To remove the boot, carefully twist the insulation boot, but do not twist the tube. Connect the two transformer wires to a tester and turn the transformer on. The tester will indicate if the transformer is providing power to the tubes. If there is no power, test the switch. Unplug the transformer and open the switch box. Connect the two wires to the tester. Plug the transformer back in.
- 3). Replace a tube. Unplug the light and disconnect the old tube from the lead wires, on both sides of the tube. Remove the metal crimp or untwist the lead wires that connect to the tube. Remove any wires or clamps that are holding the old tube in place and gently slide the old tube out. Place the new tube into its place and replace any wires or clamps that were holding the old tube. Reconnect the lead wires and installation hubs.
- 4). Replace the transformer or the switch. Unplug the light fixture. Remove the lead wires to the tubes and disconnect the switch from the transformer. Connect the wires from the tubes and switch to the new transformer. Plug the light in and check the power. To replace the switch, open the switch box and disconnect the wires, connect the wires to the new switch and close the box. Plug the light in.
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