how do i test a neon indicator light?

methodofcontrol · 11-19-2006, 10:57 PM

i've got a power light in my ampeg VT40 that won't light up. i have a replacement bulb pulled from another V-series ampeg, but i'm not sure if it works. so i don't want to switch the known bad one out for a potentially bad one. i would like to test the pull-out i have, how do i know if it's any good? can i use a 9-volt battery on the leads? or some other such simple test?

Steve Conner · 11-20-2006, 05:52 PM

Neons need about 100 volts to light them up, so the way to test it is to connect it to 120V from a wall socket. Be careful though, if you connect the bulb itself directly to 120V without a series resistor, it'll blow to smithereens. However, pretty much every neon pilot light assembly in the world has the resistor built in.

Mouthurst · 11-30-2006, 02:41 AM

I just went through it with a v2- after puting it to a meter-Now I dont know if its the same or similar but for interests sake-mine ran off ac, I just put it on a variac and brought it up slowly to 120, the thing is, if its a standby lite which runs off the b+ you must check the voltage dropping resistor or it will just blow again.
William

11-19-2006, 10:57 PM	#1
methodofcontrol Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 158	how do i test a neon indicator light? i've got a power light in my ampeg VT40 that won't light up. i have a replacement bulb pulled from another V-series ampeg, but i'm not sure if it works. so i don't want to switch the known bad one out for a potentially bad one. i would like to test the pull-out i have, how do i know if it's any good? can i use a 9-volt battery on the leads? or some other such simple test?

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11-20-2006, 05:52 PM	#2
Steve Conner Supporting Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 2,413	Neons need about 100 volts to light them up, so the way to test it is to connect it to 120V from a wall socket. Be careful though, if you connect the bulb itself directly to 120V without a series resistor, it'll blow to smithereens. However, pretty much every neon pilot light assembly in the world has the resistor built in.

11-30-2006, 02:41 AM	#3
Mouthurst Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Beautiful British Columbia CANADA Posts: 44	I just went through it with a v2- after puting it to a meter-Now I dont know if its the same or similar but for interests sake-mine ran off ac, I just put it on a variac and brought it up slowly to 120, the thing is, if its a standby lite which runs off the b+ you must check the voltage dropping resistor or it will just blow again. William

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