Wiring diagram for neon clocks needed

[Chris]

Ok, I've done several before, but, for the life of me, I can't remember how to connect the cord / transformer/ clock / neon tube together in an electric neon clock.

This one was tampered with, so everything was disconnected. The transformer has 4 wires on it, the clock has two, the cord will have 2, and the tube will have 2 ends.

Can anyone post up a diagram for a single tube neon clock with a Synchron motor? Thanks!

 

[davefr]

Line 1 goes to neon transformer input, Line 1 also goes to clock motor.

Line 2 goes to neon transformer input, Line 2 also goes to clock motor.

Output 1 from neon transformer goes to neon tube.

Output 2 from neon transformer goes to neon tube.

(ie clock motor and transformer input are wired in parallel)

(In case it's not labeled, Neon transformer input is low resistance, neon transformer output is higher resistance.)

Polarity to and from transformer doesn't matter.

I'd suggest you use THHN (outdoor rated machine tool grade) wire and a 3 wire line cord with ground (green) attached to the metal frame of the clock. It's also a good idea to use a GFI protected circuit. Make sure all your wiring is secured with strain relief.

You can also add a switch from line to transformer to turn on just the neon. You should switch hot (not neutral). I'd also consider adding an inline fuse to the circuit.

Hope this helps.

 

[shwines]

Dave-
I have never seen one with an inline fuse added. Any more info on how to properly do this?

 

[davefr]

Dave-
I have never seen one with an inline fuse added. Any more info on how to properly do this?

These old electric clocks were never designed to modern safety standards. However they can certainly be made safer.

Here's an example of what you could use. A fuse should be on the hot lead right inside the case. (value of fuse would depend on running current of the clock - maybe 1.5-2X fast blow). Using a 3 wire cord (vs unpolarized 2 wire) allows you to know which lead is hot and also allows you to ground the metal case.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqgs0fFXuNSFSlFAf5xpZT5258fuJh6zYd9_nBpvgN4NlbRSoR

 

[shwines]

Thanks very much Dave.