Proudly Serving
the
Neon Industry
Since 1986
West Coast Custom Designs, LLC... America's Best Source For Neon Sign Supplies and Neon Bending Equipment!
wccdUSA.com
Phoenix, AZ USA
480-820-9517
800-692-6780
Neon Testing Equipment
STOCKED!
AA Neon Tube Tester
Save's "time & money" on the work site by quickly testing tubes!
When the antenna is touched to the tubing wall or electrode wires, the tester will cause the viable tubing to illuminate in a pulsating manor. This pulsing feature is fantastic for testing neon in bright sunlight as it is easier to see the light when flashing.
TEST'S FOR VIABLE GAS IN:
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Neon Tubes
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Argon Tubes
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Cold Cathode Tubes
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Fluorescent Bulbs
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Mercury Lamps
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Metal Halide Bulbs
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Sodium Vapor Lamps
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LEDs
CHECK THE COLOR:
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Neon & Argon Tubes
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LEDs
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Safe and easy to use.
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Hand-Held Portability travels to jobsite.
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Requires four AA batteries - not incl.
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7" Length when antenna is closed.
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Telescoping antenna extends 9"
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One Year Limited Warranty.
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No Returns - All Sales Final.
$49.95 ea.
10+ $39.95 ea.
Case (50 Qty) $34.95 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: AA-TESTER
STOCKED!
AA Neon Tube Tester
Belt Clip Velcro Case
$3.50 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: AA-CASE
Phosphorus Coating Color Checkers
Quick-Look Comparison Chart
Compact Tester
Large Tester
Cost $45 $79
Batteries (not included) 4x AAA 4x AA
USB Operation Yes *included No
LED On-Indicator Yes Yes
Safety Shut-Off Yes Yes
Bulb Size Smaller Larger
Wrist Strap No Yes
Beeps when turned On/Off No Yes
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year
Illuminates All Phosphors Yes Yes
STOCKED!
Compact
Phosphorus Coating
Color Checker
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Check and verify the color of phosphoresce coating on raw sticks of neon tubing.
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Hold up to the end of phosphorus coated tubes and turn on, will show color.
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Built-in safety features.
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Hand held and portable.
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Small and compact. Folds for easy storage.
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Power tester from four AAA batteries - not Included.
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Power tester with included Macro USB cord - not for charging batteries.
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One Year Limited Warranty.
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No Returns - All Sales Final.
$45 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: COLOR-TEST-SM
Power up with included Macro USB Cord.
-or-
Power up with 4 AAA Batteries (not incl.).
Large
Phosphorus Coating
Color Checker
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Check and verify the color of phosphoresce coating on raw sticks of neon tubing.
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Hold up to the end of phosphorus coated tubes and turn on, will show color.
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Audible "beep" when turned On/Off.
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Hand held and portable.
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Features a spring-loaded on/off switch.
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Built-in wrist strap.
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Power tester from four AA batteries - not Included.
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One Year Limited Warranty.
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No Returns - All Sales Final.
$79 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: COLOR-TEST-LG
"It's Back"... Neon Load Tester
This unit easily measures the voltage required to operate neon tubes, helping determine the correct transformer size for a sign or specific section of neon.
Super Simple to use by connecting the two GTO wires to the electrodes where a standard transformer would normally attach. The built-in digital meter displays the operating voltage needed for the neon. The unit comes equipped with alligator clips and features integrated open-circuit protection for added safety.
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Accurately measures the voltage required to operate neon tubes, helping determine the correct transformer size for a sign or specific section.
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Easy-to-read onboard LED display indicates the appropriate transformer size.
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Integrated LED digital meter provides clear kilovolt (kV) readings.
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High-voltage test leads with alligator clips for fast, convenient connections.
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Standard 120V plug-in design with built-in on/off switch.
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Maximum output: 15,000V.
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Designed for testing purposes only.
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Not intended for extended or continuous use.
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Built-in open circuit protection enhances user safety.
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Includes a one-year limited warranty.
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No returns accepted; all sales are final.
Please note: this device is intended strictly for testing purposes. It is not designed for continuous or extended use and should only be operated for short durations in controlled indoor settings.
Normally $155 ea.
Now Pre-Order Special... $129.95 ea.
Next shipment is expected in August 2026
Call to Order!
Model: LOAD-TESTER
High Frequency Test Coils
MFG Meant For Use Limit Cost Limit Warranty
Standard Imported Novice / Occasional Use 4-5 secs intervals $ 6 Months
Premium USA Commercial 10 minute intervals $$$ 1 Year
High-Frequency Model Comparison at a Glance
On a neon processing table, during the final stages of filling a neon tube with gas, a high-frequency tester is used to locate electrical weaknesses that may indicate a pinhole, crack, defective seal, or other imperfection in the glass envelope. The tester applies a high-frequency, high-voltage electrical field around the tube. When the glass envelope is intact, the electrical field remains essentially contained and no significant discharge occurs. If a small defect or weak area is present, the intensified electric field at that location can cause the surrounding air to ionize, producing a localized corona or arc discharge. The operator can detect this discharge by its visible spark or glow and/or by the tester's audible or other indication, allowing the defective area to be located and the tube to be rejected or repaired. The tester therefore provides a practical method of locating potential leaks or defects; it does not directly measure the amount or rate of gas escaping from the tube. One last note, these testers can also locate leaks in the processing plant itself, including stopcocks and glass flask joints.
STOCKED!
Zapping a neon tube.
Standard
High-Frequency Test Coil
This tester is designed specifically for novice users and occasional testing, making it a practical and economical choice for those who do not need the capabilities of a professional-grade neon shop tester.
Unlike our Premium tester, which is designed for extended operation of up to 10 minutes, this economical model is intended for intermittent use only. It is not typically the tester of choice for commercial neon shops that perform frequent or continuous testing.
For proper operation and to help protect the unit:
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Do not operate the tester for more than 5 seconds during any single test.
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Allow 4–5 seconds between tests before operating the tester again.
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The tester should be turned on and off between individual tests rather than operated continuously.
If you are a hobbyist, novice, or someone who only needs to perform occasional neon testing, this model provides an economical way to get the job done. If you expect to perform frequent testing or need longer operating periods, we recommend stepping up to the Premium tester, which is designed for that type of use.
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Standard Novice Quality.
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User adjustable knob varies output of the high voltage coil.
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Spring-loaded on/off switch automatically turns the unit off when the switch is released.
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Each test should be no longer than 5 seconds.
Allow 4–5 seconds between tests before operating the tester again.
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The tester should be turned on and off between individual tests rather than operated continuously.
5 foot power cord. -
Imported.
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6 month Limited Warranty.
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Electrical item... No Returns - All Sales Final.
$69.95 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: HF-STANDARD
>>> Same Day Shipping! <<<
Zapping a tubulation line.
Model #BD-10AS
STOCKED!
Premium
High-Frequency Test Coil
This industrial "High Frequency Test Coil" is the "gold-standard" tool used in the Neon Industry. Most commonly used by the Neon Industry for detecting leaks at the pumping station. The spark generated by the coil via the solid tip, will enter the tube through the leak and become bright white at the point at which it enters.
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Industrial Quality.
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40+ years of proven quality and reliablility.
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Preferred by Commercial Neon Shop.
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ETP Inc. model #BD-10AS.
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User adjustable knob varies output of the high voltage coil.
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Spring-loaded on/off switch automatically turns the unit off when the switch is released.
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Generous 8 foot grounded power cord.
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Made in the USA.
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One Year Limited Warranty.
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Electrical item... No Returns - All Sales Final.
>>> Same Day Shipping! <<<
$379.95 ea.
Call to Order!
Model: HF-PREMIUM
Zapping a neon tube.
Zapping a tubulation line.
Other High-Frequency Test Uses
Pharmaceutical Container Testing
The BD-10AS has been manufactured for over 40 years, providing more than four decades of proven field performance and reliability. Proudly manufactured in the USA, the BD-10AS delivers commercial-quality performance, producing an astonishing 20,000 to 45,000 volts at an operating frequency of approximately 500 kHz. Its proven design and high-voltage output make it a versatile solution with applications across a wide range of industries, where dependable, high-performance equipment is essential.
Tank and Vessel Lining Inspection
One of its primary non-neon applications is finding pinholes in plastic, rubber, or glass linings applied to metal tanks. The high-frequency discharge passes through a defect and identifies the discontinuity. This is commonly referred to as holiday testing or pinhole testing.
Plastic Tank Weld Inspection
The BD-10AS can be used to check the integrity of welds in plastic tanks. A defect in the welded area can allow the high-frequency electrical field to produce a discharge, identifying a potential leak path.
Vacuum Leak Testing of Glass Vessels
The BD-10AS can be used to check vacuum integrity in glass components, including lamp bulbs, pharmaceutical vials, and double-pane/insulated glass windows.
Pharmaceutical Glass Containers
With Pharmaceutical vials, the tester can help identify a compromised vacuum or defect in the glass container.
Double-Pane Insulated Windows
The BD-10AS can be used for vacuum checking of double-pane glass units.
Electrostatic Discharge Testing
The manucaturer also lists electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing as an application. This is somewhat different from leak detection—the generator is being used as a controlled high-frequency/high-voltage source to investigate discharge behavior.
Lamp and Plasma Ignition
The BD-10AS can be used to ionize gases inside lamps and other discharge devices. The manufacturer specifically mentions spectrum tubes, fluorescent lamps, and plasma ignition.
Tank and Vessel Lining Inspection
Plastic Weld Inspection
Additional BD-10AS Technical Information
Output: Between 20,000 to 45,000 vts, at a frequency of approx. 500 kHz.
Current output of the spark is about 1 mA.
This model is a variation of the tesla coil. It has a primary coil which produces an output voltage of about 1200 V at the input line frequency, 50 or 60 Hz. This output voltage is interrupted by a vibrating contact, energized by this coil at twice the line frequency. The output voltage of this primary coil is connected to capacitors, which are then discharged into a high voltage coil.
The capacitance, resistance and inductance of this circuit is designed to oscillate, or ring, at a very high frequency, in this case 500 kHz. The output of this high voltage coil is adjustable by varying the distance of the vibrating contacts, which is user adjustable, by means of a knob on the end of the unit.
Applications include pinhole leak detection, as in linings of tanks and other similar metal objects, and in plastic welds, where a test metal backing is applied. Other applications include ionizing a gas inside a lamp, neon sign, double-pane insulated windows, pharmaceutical vial, or similar glass vessel where a deep vacuum is contained.
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