I didn't know that Violanos used electric contacts, but if they are
arranged such that they start or stop current going through any sort
of a coil, then I heartily support Mr. Fortner's suggestion of placing
voltage-dependent resistors across each pair of contacts [200401 MMD].

NE-2 neon lamps are fun to work with and watch, but they're not
particularly reliable as they age and are somewhat sensitive to ambient
light.  (There are some gas-discharge over-voltage devices that are far
better.)  You'll find lots of both types in electronics catalogs.

I would have thought that the manufacturers would have bridged the
contacts with capacitors, which was formerly the preferred means of
contact arc suppression.

Mark Kinsler 
Lancaster, Ohio