How to wire a fluorescent (?) bulb

[TotalHammateur]

Hi all, I've picked up something from a junk shop and was wondering about wiring it up. It's a letter K from an outdoors shop or pub name, and has within it a k-shaped fluorescent bulb. Or at least I presume it is fluorescent... I cannot emphasise enough how little I know about this so forgive the lack of technical nouse!

It has wiring at each end of the bulb - two wires coming out of the bulb, but with both then twisted into a single well-insulated cable (with the brand "Masonlite" on it).

While its pretty old, I was hoping I might be able to rewire it to make it into a lamp for a letter-obsessed friend. Putting aside the fact that the bulb itself might no longer function, is this something that is easily and safely done, or should I (a) take it to an electrician, or (b) give up on the idea?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Matt

Some pictures to offset my horrendous descriptions:

//www.diynot.com/network/TotalHammateur/albums/4282/17161
//www.diynot.com/network/TotalHammateur/albums/4282/17162
//www.diynot.com/network/TotalHammateur/albums/4282/17160

 

[davelx]

That's not a fluorescent it's a neon tube and it needs special control gear. These things run at high voltages - several kV. I'd suggest forgetting all about it!

 

[Lectrician]

The control gear running at around a thousand volts too. Not something to be messing with.

 

[VanSolo]

That looks like a neon lamp to me.
High voltage control gear is required to light this lamp.
Specialist knowledge is required with neon signage.
Doh

 

[cabinman]

why not ditch the neon bits and secure some lampholders inside it?

 

[Paul_C]

The control gear running at around a thousand volts too.

And the rest for a tube of that size. Several thousand volts is typical.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

ditto above.

why don't you screw it to your kitchen ceiling and fit some downlighters inside?

would look lovely.

 

[TotalHammateur]

Cheers all, much appreciated. It'll probably end up in the bin then. I thought it might be neon but per my earlier comment I am sufficiently clueless not to want to take a punt.

I think I'll leave it at that -- thanks again, all.

 

[Chri5]

Buy some of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1Q1GE3DCTXYPT85KVJ9W

And use the K body as a light box

 

[bloxy]

You could dump the tube and put some small fluorescents in there (under cabinet lights?).

 

[FourFootMedia]

Get yourself a cheap white rope light (plenty of them round at this time of year) and then coil it appropriatly inside the "K" to illuminate it. If you wanted, you could even use one of those colour changing ones, have the "K" scroll through several colours

Edit: or as above, 3 short flourescents.

 

[EdwardCurrent]

Remember to 'earth' the casing if need be.

Ed

 

[TotalHammateur]

Hmm, some good ideas and tips... thanks again. This is easily the most helpful and fastest-responding forum I've used!

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Nice idea from Fourfootmedia

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...sco_Index/Duralite_Rope_Lights_LED/index.html

Just not sure how big the 'K' is and how bendy the rope is as to whether it will work.

Could nip to Wilkos and get a cheap set of xmas tree lights, feed plug/lead out the back and have a nice bedside lamp for the other half.
(Perfect if she's called Kim or Karen or Keith )

 

[333rocky333]

If you know someone who can wire it safely.
A "Mode Neotran" would run that