Neon Sign Transformer Help

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Josh Smith
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Nov 30, 2017 10:19 am
Real name: Josh Smith

Neon Sign Transformer Help

Post by Josh Smith »

Hello All,
I'm currently looking for a neon sign transformer for my demo fusor. I know it can't be used for fusion fusor work, I'm just attempting to get a demo fusor built and then possible upgrading to a fusion fusor in the future. I understand you don't want ground fault protection on your NST, however I'm having trouble finding one on eBay that isn't and is below $100 with shipping. Is it easy to remove the ground fault protection, and are any of these good NSTs to use? I just want to make sure I'm not making any avoidable mistakes before taking upon the burden of the price tag.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Allanson-Neon- ... 2193!US!-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/France-Francef ... Swk1hZ8N2Y
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Transco-TX1212 ... 2193!US!-1

Thanks,
Josh
ian_krase
Posts: 636
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 2:48 am
Real name: Ian Krase

Re: Neon Sign Transformer Help

Post by ian_krase »

I think it's possible to get around GFCI.

I know that Oil Burner Ignition Transformers are a viable alternative.
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Rich Feldman
Posts: 1470
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:59 pm
Real name: Rich Feldman
Location: Santa Clara County, CA, USA

Re: Neon Sign Transformer Help

Post by Rich Feldman »

You could visit an electrical contractor or signmaking shop that does neon, in your town or the nearest big city. They might even give you a suitable rusty old transformer from bottom shelf in back room.

Or try Craigslist -- another way to avoid anyone having to pack & ship a NST, which needs at least an extra-stout box and artfully formed pieces of solid packaging foam.

I scored six or seven NST's at an old movie theater pre-demolition sale. When properly tested (with instruments, not just simple sign-lighting and arc-making), most will be ready to sell or give away. Electronics Flea Market at De Anza College begins for 2018 next month, and I'll be there.
All models are wrong; some models are useful. -- George Box
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