Hansen EVG 80/1D – Dimmable Neon Converter

Neon converters (or Neon Sign Transformers/Electronic Ballasts) are crucial power supplies that step down mains voltage (like 120V/240V) and convert it into the high voltage (2kV-15kV) and specific current (18-30mA) needed to excite gases (neon, argon, etc.) in glass tubes to produce light, enabling the iconic glow of neon signs and animated displays, with modern electronic versions offering dimming and safety features over older magnetic types.

How they work

Voltage Conversion: They take standard household electricity and transform it into the very high voltages required to ionize the gas inside the tubes.
Gas Excitation: This high voltage causes the electrons in the gas (like neon for red, argon for blue) to jump to higher energy levels and then release photons (light) as they fall back, creating the sign’s colour.

Types of Converters/Ballasts

Neon Sign Transformers (NSTs): Traditional, robust, but heavier units.

Electronic Ballasts (EVGs): Modern, smaller, lighter, and often dimmable (with compatible dimmers) versions, also called neon converters.

Specialized Modules: For hobbyists (e.g., model trains) that control animations and flashing.

Key Features & Specifications

Voltage Output: Ranges from a few kV to 15kV+.

Current Output: Typically 18-30mA (milliamps).

Dimmability: Many modern electronic types work with leading/trailing edge dimmers for control.

Safety: Modern units have features like overload, short circuit, and ground fault protection.

Gas Specific: Some are designed for specific gases (neon, argon) or tube sizes.

Why they are important

• They are the “heart” of any neon sign, providing the precise power needed to light the glass.
• They allow for vibrant, long-lasting signs and unique lighting effects.
• Troubleshooting signs of failure
• Overheating, buzzing sounds, flickering lights.

Since 1984, we at Hansen have been making our customers’ ideas shine – as a producer of lighting technology made in North Friesland.

Specialising in the development and production of light sources and the associated electronics, we have developed steadily over the years and today sell our innovative LED products from North Frisia all over the world. In the meantime, our family business is backed by a team of around 80 people who guarantee the best quality at the company headquarters in Haselund – certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015.

Components become solutions

Our versatile range allows maximum design freedom for our customers. In combination with our experience and decades of know-how, we thus offer solutions for every challenge – and for a wide variety of sectors: from classic illuminated advertising to shop and exhibition construction to diverse technical and functional applications and, last but not least, the use of light as a design and creative element.