Neon Sign Fails: Funny Broken Mishaps And Troubleshooting Guide
Dive into the world of neon sign fails in our latest blog post. Learn about hilarious mishaps from broken neon signs leading to unintended messages and chuckle-worthy displays. Learn troubleshooting tips to fix these unplanned problems and ensure your neon signs keep displaying the right message every time.
Key Takeaways
- Neon signs are eye-catching but can turn hilariously wrong when they malfunction, completely changing the meaning of their message.
- Some fails have gone viral on social media, highlighting the entertainment value of these mishaps, but they can also harm a business’ reputation.
- There can be many reasons why neon signs fail, so regular maintenance is important.
- We supply high-quality custom LED signs that are durable, reliable, and resistant to many of the issues that can affect traditional neon signs.
Neon Sign Fails
Neon signs catch the eye, but they can cause amusing results when they malfunction. Common examples include a sign meant to say ‘Hotel’ that simple reads ‘Ho e’ when some lights are out, or a gas station signs that’s supposed to read ‘Shell’ but just says ‘hell’. These amusing errors can turn mundane messages into entertaining fails.
Some of these funny broken neon signs have become internet sensations that find viral status on social media. One famous example was a ‘Pharmacy’ sign that accidentally read ‘harm’ and a sign for ‘Buttrey Rental’ that unintentionally said ‘Butt Rental’. Avoid these neon sign gaffes (or deliberately recreate them) by designing a high-quality custom LED sign with us.
25 Funny Broken Neon Signs
Let’s look at a list of 25 funny neon sign fails that took the internet by storm:
Elmhurst - ‘lmhur t’: The sign for this emergency & trauma center accidentally changed into an ironic plea for help.
Morrisons - ‘Mor ons’: This supermarket sign suddenly became an embarrassing statement.
Scrapbooks - ‘crapbooks’: Another unfortunate neon sign malfunction that completely changed the store’s first impression.
Ortiz Funeral Home ‘Ortiz Fun Home’: This neon sign fail made a particularly inappropriate message for the business.
Amusements - ‘semen’: A neon sign fail that no amusements arcade would want to see repeated.
London Drugs - ‘do Drugs’: A neon sign fail that created an unintentional message.
Starbucks Coffee - ‘S bucks Coffee’: A popular coffee franchise accidentally critiques its own beverages.
Fast & Easy - ‘Fa t & Easy’: Another unintentionally hilarious neon sign malfunction.
Bare Feet Shoes - ‘Bare Feet Hoes’: A single failing letter on a neon sign gives entirely the wrong idea about this shoe store.
Self Storage - ‘Elf Storage’: Let’s hope Santa didn’t turn up thinking he could find some new recruits here!
Burlington Coat Factory - ‘Burlington C at Factory’: Did you ever wonder where cats really came from?
Dolores Restaurant - ‘res taurant’: A failing neon sign can be a great way to remove everything unique about your business front.
Petco Suppllies & Fish - ‘Petco lies & Fish’: Serving up dishonesty and fish for 22 years.
Dynasty Buffet - ‘nasty Buffet’: We’re sure it couldn’t have been that bad!
Goodyear - ‘oo yea’: A hilariously positive but non-specific message for a tire seller.
Brodie Food Mart - ‘die Mart’: We don’t know who Mart is, but we hope he’s okay.
Hotel Morgan - ‘Hot organ’: We wouldn’t like to think what organ this could be referring to…
Falafel King - ‘Fa king’: Not the message you want to convey when you’re trying to be an honest business!
Snap Fitness - ‘nap fitness’: We wish we could get fit with a little shuteye in the afternoon.
Photo Center - ‘P o o enter’: A very different message about what happens in this business.
Bowling - ‘Bo ng’: Definitely not the message this bowling alley wanted to present.
Road Ranger - ‘Road anger’: While not intentional, there are many people who can relate to this sign.
1-Hr Photo - ‘1-Her P o o’: If this neon sign wasn’t a fail, what type of customers would it attract?
Mexican Manhattan Restaurant - ‘Mexican Man Restaurant’: For cannibals with a taste for Latin America.
Maryland Hotel - ‘ land Ho’: An amusing nautical message that has absolutely nothing to do with the actual business.
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What Are 12 Neon Sign Fails Seen As The Worst Ever?
The previous section showed us some hilarious neon sign fails. But let’s look at 12 that are so bad that their messages are borderline offensive and they could potentially harm the business:
- Hotel Cass - ‘Hot ass’
- Fuddruckers - ‘F uckers’
- First American Title - ‘First American Tit’
- Cocktail Lounge - ‘Cock Lounge’
- Angus Steak Houses - ‘An us Steak Houses’
- Drink ‘n’ Dine Restaurant - ‘Drink ‘n’ Die’
- Milford Plaza - ‘Milf Plaza’
- Danals - ‘anal’
- Oriental Buffet - ‘Or al Buffet’
- Blockbuster Video - Blo us Video’
- Top Jewelry - ‘Top Jew’
- Thwaites Brewery - ‘T wa t s’
The less said about these signs, the better. But they immediately show an offensive message in bright, vibrant colors, right on the front of your business. This is not something any business owner wants to happen, and illustrates the importance of neon sign maintenance.
What Are The Most Common Issues Why Neon Signs Fail?
Neon signs can die for several reasons:
- Electrical problems: Faulty transformers or damaged wiring may cause a neon sign to malfunction.
- Broken/damaged tubes: Physical damage to glass tubes can cause a sign to dim or extinguish.
- Gas leakage: If gas leaks out, the sign can lose brightness or becomes completely non-functional.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your neon sign keeps working as intended. Inspect electrical components, seal tubes properly, and handle the signs with care to prevent issues. Order high-quality custom LED signs from us for premium products designed for durability and simple maintenance.
Why Would A Neon Sign Not Work?
A neon sign may fail due to several common issues. Power flow can be disrupted by electrical problems like faulty transformers or broken wiring. Meanwhile, physical issues like cracked or damaged tubes can cause gas to leak, preventing the sign from lighting up properly. Additionally, old or depleted gas can cause neon signs to dim.
Troubleshoot these issues by checking the power supply and wiring for signs of damage or loose connections. Inspect glass tubes for cracks or leaks, or have the sign professionally serviced. Regular maintenance is crucial, or you could opt for an LED neon sign for a more durable, reliable alternative.
What Should You Do If A Neon Sign Breaks?
If you have an unfortunate neon sign fail, prioritize safety by deactivating the power and keeping your hands away from broken glass or neon gas. Wear gloves as you look at the sign, and consider calling a professional if a repair is needed as it takes expertise to fix most problems with neon signs.
An experienced neon sign repair professional can safely:
- Replace broken tubes
- Repair wiring
- Refill gas
Avoid attempting complex repairs at home, as you may cause further damage or injure yourself. Again, regular maintenance is important for identifying issues early to avoid serious problems.
How Long Should A Neon Sign Last?
Though the typical lifespan is between 8 and 15 years, how long neon signs last depends on usage and maintenance. Factors that influence longevity include:
- Material quality
- Installation
- Environmental conditions
To extend the longevity of your neon sign, clean it regularly to avoid dust buildup, as this can affect brightness. Try to keep it dry and avoid exposure to extremes of hot or cold.
Proper installation of transformers and electrical components is crucial for durability, and you might consider turning off the sign when not in use. With proper care, a neon sign can work for years.
What Happens If A Neon Sign Gets Wet?
Neon signs are safe for the most part, but issues like electrical shorts, corrosion, or a damaged transformer can change this if a sign gets wet. If your neon light is exposed to water, immediately unplug it and allow it to dry completely. Consider getting it inspected by a professional before you turn it on again.
Prevent water exposure with the following precautions:
- Install the sign in a sheltered area away from rainfall.
- Use waterproof sealants or connections.
- Regularly check for signs of moisture or damage.
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Make Your Custom Neon SignsHow Do I Know If My Neon Sign Transformer Is Bad/Failed?
To assess whether your neon sign transformer has failed, look for the following symptoms:
- Flickering
- Dim lighting
- Buzzing sounds
- Failure to illuminate
Common issues include visible damage to the transformer or overheating of electrical components. You can test it with a multimeter to check the voltage output - if it is inconsistent (or zero) you should remove the old transformer and install a new one with matching specifications.
Ensure all connections are secure and that the sign is properly grounded before you power it up again.
What Happens When A Transformer Goes Bad?
When a transformer goes bad, neon signs fail. They might flicker, dim, or stop lightning up completely. Potential risks include:
- Overheating
- Sparks
- Fire hazards
Beyond this, a faulty transformer could damage the neon tubing and other components in your sign.
If you suspect a transformer has failed, unplug the sign immediately to avoid further damage or safety risks. Consult a professional electrician or neon sign repair specialist to inspect it and replace faulty electricals for a safe neon sign. This way, you keep your sign in good condition.
Why Would An LED Fail?
LED neon signs may fail due to power supply issues, faulty wiring, or defective components. Common symptoms of these issues include:
- Dimming
- Flickering
- Failure to light up
You can troubleshoot these issues by checking the power supply, inspecting connections for damage, and replacing defective LEDs.
Neon signs tend to suffer from issues like gas leaks or broken glass, but LED signs generally suffer from electronic or wiring issues when they go wrong. Choose our high-quality custom neon flex signs and maintain them well to avoid these problems.
Why Did My LED Suddenly Stop Working?
If an LED sign stops working suddenly, there could be several potential reasons:
- The power supply is faulty.
- There are issues with the wiring connections.
- The LED module has burned out.
Start by checking for issues with the power source and connections. Inspect each LED module for visible damage or malfunction. If you find defective components or modules, replace them as needed.
Ensure the power supply is supplying the correct voltage and current for your LED sign. You should inspect and maintain your LED sign to prevent sudden failures.
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Are Broken Neon Signs Safe And How Long Do They Last?
Broken neon signs can potentially pose safety risks because of their high voltages and fragile glass tubing. Neon signs can even catch fire in rare circumstances, so unplug a damaged neon sign to prevent hazards.
Typically, a well-maintained neon sign can last 8 to 15 years before major repairs or replacement are needed. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend their lifespan. You should handle broken neon signs carefully and consider taking them for professional repairs to ensure their safety and longevity.
Promptly address issues to prevent safety concerns and maintain your neon signs’ aesthetic appeal.
Can Failed Neon Signs Catch On Fire?
Failed neon signs may pose fire hazards, particularly if combustible materials are nearby. Neon signs themselves are unlikely to catch fire, but faulty wiring or damaged transformers can lead to overheating or electrical sparks.
To prevent fire risks, engage in regular maintenance and inspections. In 1974, there was a neon sign fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in 85 fatalities and over 600 injuries. This highlights the potential dangers if you don’t engage in proper installation, maintenance, and repairs of failing neon signs.
Do Neon Signs Run Out?
Neon signs have a finite lifespan as the neon gas degrades and electrical components can wear out over time. Signs of a neon signs reaching the end of its lifespan include:
- Dimming
- Flickering
- Sections not lighting up
Regular maintenance can prolong their lifespan. Alternatively, make your own neon sign with our service for a durable, reliable neon LED sign tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neon Sign Fails
Why Do Neon Signs Fail?
Neon signs usually fail due to wear and tear on electrical components or damage to the glass tubing, causing neon gas to leak and interrupting the flow of electricity.
What Are The Funniest Neon Sign Fails Ever?
Funny neon sign fails include a Morrisons supermarket sign that read ‘Morons’ and a Dynasty Buffet sign changing to ‘Nasty Buffet’, but there are many other hilarious examples.
