15030 P8G-3U
Neon Transformer Installation Guide
This Neon Transformer is suitable for use only in dry and damp locations and is designated Outdoor
Non-Weatherproof Dry or Damp Type 2.
HIGH
VOLTAGE
Remove primary power before servicing the sign or transformer in any way.
Secondary-Circuit Ground-Fault Protected (SCGFP) transformers will NOT provide
protection against electrical shock. Potentially hazardous high voltage can be
present.
Service and/or installation should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Do not assume power is removed from transformer if ground fault trip occurs (the
transformer will automatically make 3 reset attempts within approximately 10
seconds.)
Installation must be in total compliance with the National Electrical Code®, the
requirements of Underwriters Laboratories and applicable local codes.
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Failure to properly ground this transformer will result in the transformer case
and any metal connected to it (enclosure, conduit, sign frame, etc.) becoming
electrified when a secondary ground fault exists.
HIGH VOLTAGE - Assure transformer is properly grounded before troubleshooting. (See note 5 above)
TROUBLESHOOTING a tripped P8G Series Transformer:
INSTALLING the FRANCE 15030 P8G-3 Neon Transformers (see installation diagrams on reverse side):
Securely mount the transformer in an approved metallic enclosure (transformer can, raceway, sign body, etc.).
Run the service wires through conduit into approved enclosure.
Connect the line (or hot) service wire (black 120 volt) to the identified (L or +) terminal. Connect the neutral
service wire (white) to the identified neutral (N or -) terminal.
Bond the service grounding wire (green or bare) to the sign enclosure per UL48 and the National Electrical Code.
Electrically connect another wire (green or bare) to this same service ground connection or to a terminal secured to
a grounded part of the sign enclosure. Connect the free end of this wire to the identified service ground (G) terminal
on the transformer. (Alternatively, the transformer may be grounded by bonding its baseplate to the sign enclosure.
Proper bonding may require the removal of paint from the baseplate at the point of bonding.)
Improper grounding can result in electrifying all metal connected to the transformer during a secondary ground fault
condition.
Run GTO wires from the first neon tubing electrodes through separate conduit, raceway, sign body, etc. to each
transformer secondary high voltage bushing. (These wires should be kept as short as possible, but may not exceed
20 feet.) Sign tubing may be connected to two high voltage outputs on one end, or on opposite ends of transformer.
(Please reference Figures 1 & 2 on reverse side of this page).
Note: High voltage connection hardware is color-coded, only connect GTO to one brass and one silver output.
Make sure to securely tighten all service and high voltage output terminal nuts.
Replace cover on transformer box, raceway, etc., if applicable.
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Ensure the line and neutral service wires are connected properly and are not reversed. Black wires should be hot,
while white wires should be neutral. If power is applied to a transformer with the line and neutral wires reversed, the
tubing will be flashed a total of four times over a ten second period, then trip off. If the supply wires appear to be
connected properly, the polarity of the service wires themselves may be reversed (i.e. the black wire is actually the
neutral and the white wire is actually the hot wire).
Verify the service grounding wire is actually ground and is properly bonded to the sign enclosure. Verify that the
transformers identified service ground (G) terminal is grounded via wire (or via the transformer mounting plate) to
the sign enclosure.
Check for excessive leakage currents caused by moisture within or on the sign, tubing installed too close to metal,
contaminated insulators or standoffs, or conductive debris such as insects, dirt, etc. between live high voltage sign
components and ground.
Check for electrical shorts or arcs from live high voltage sign components to ground. To help locate the source of
such faults, Secondary-Circuit Ground-Fault Protection (SCGFP) may be placed in Service mode. To activate service
mode, momentarily depress the small pushbutton on the end panel of the transformer. While in service mode, power
is applied and the SCGFP feature will be disabled for approximately 29 minutes, after which the transformer will return
to normal operation. Return to normal operation at any time by removing and reapplying service power or by pressing
the service button again.
Warning: During Service Mode, no protection against an abnormal arc-induced
electrical fire exists.
No protection against electrical shock exists during any operational mode.
After the source of any fault is removed, the transformer is automatically reset when power is reapplied.
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Service Switch does not operate without
proper grounding.
DIAGNOSTIC LED OPERATION
Steady On...Unit is in Normal Operation.
Continuous Flashing...Unit is in Service Mode.
LED Flashes Indicates
1........In 15 second Diagnostic or Auto Reset Mode
2........A Secondary Ground Fault exists.
3........Unit is not Grounded or Input Neutral and Line are reversed.
4........Input Voltage exceeds 120% of rating.
