Re: Neon sign Transformer Failure

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "garryfre by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <garryfre-at-pacbell-dot-net>

Usually the cause of the shorting is a carbon trail in the tar because of a
spark that shoots through a crack in the tar inside in the case of nst's
filled with tar.

I have been able to resurrect these by opening the transformer. If you find
cracks, pour mineral oil into the cracks and repeat until the level of oil
remains the same.

Then using a hot-plate outside, heat the unit till the tar is softened
enough to cause the cracks to vanish. Let the unit cool and test it to see
if both high voltage sides emit a spark to screwdriver grounded to the case.

If both sides emit a spark you have ressurrected your transformer. Close up
the unit, using silicone seal to prevent leakage.

Good luck to you.