Quick AC wiring question

[djwackfriz]

OK, once again I'm not sure where to put this post, but since its for a pedalboard I'll put it in effects

I want to wire a 120VAC neon indicator light into my board to 1)look pretty and 2)show that the board is powered on. Since the lamp runs on 120VAC (with a 95VAC firing requirement), can I just connect it directly to an AC main (via a power cable)?

for example,

+

any ideas? I'm a novice wirer and plan to have pro supervision when wiring, but I'd like to know the method/parts i'll need in advance.

 

[djwackfriz]

Nobody? Any electrical geniuses in the house...?

 

[RickenBoogie]

Sure, it should work fine, if I understand your question. You want to hook up a 120VAC light, to a 120VAC power source? That's it? If so, what's the problem?

 

[Ba55Man1ac]

Well here in Aus (230V) neon lamps like this need to have a 100k ohm resistor in series with it to limit the current flow. At a guess, a 50k resistor might be appropriate in the US. If you can open it up, check if it has a resistor installed internally. If not, i'd recommend you try it with a resistor first and if it doesn't work, take the resistor out.

Good luck and BE CAREFUL!

 

[WayneS]

You shouldnt need a resistor. Just wire it to the power wire and it should work.

As always though, look for instructions on the packaging.

 

[Jonyak]

and if you do put a resistor in line with it, make sure it can take a high enough power. or else you will just blow the resistor up...

The bigger the value of the resistor the less current you get the less bright the light is.

 

[niftydog]

By design neon lamps limit their own current. Just make sure the voltage spec is appropriate for your mains supply and you'll be bananas.

Obligatory warning; mains voltage is stupidly dangerous - and in some countries modifying and working with mains connections is illegal for non-qualified persons. So, don't electrocute yourself, ok!?

 

[djwackfriz]

Woohoo! I did it!

Thanks for the help folks!

I did cheat a lil bit - I was confused by the 3-conductor cables, so I just used a spare 2-conductor I found in a box in the attic. For future reference, when connecting 3-conductor wire to a 2-terminal lamp, which wire doesn't get connected? The ground?

 

[niftydog]

Yup, BUT... (big but!)

the ground should be connected to the metal chassis of the mains powered equipment. It is a safety feature.

Two core cable is intended for "double insulated" equipment ONLY. Anything with exposed metal that could conceivably come into contact with the mains conductors MUST have a safety ground connected to the chassis.