EL Wire, or Electroluminescent wire, features a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and encased in a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied, it emits a beautiful aqua (blue - green) glow, looking like thin neon. It's highly bendable, can hold its shape, and you can even curl it around your finger. It's an easy and power - efficient way to add glow to your projects, using much less power than LEDs.
We offer 2.6mm thick EL wire with a clear coat. It's pre - cut and soldered to a standard quick - connect EL wire. Made with the latest technology, it's twice as bright as the 'standard' 2.3mm EL. Running at 1.5KHz/90V, it emits 150 cd/m² of light and has a half - life (50% brightness reduction) after 3000 hours of continuous use. It draws about 10mA per meter, and its capacitance is about twice that of 'standard' EL (11 nF/m). So, if you're using an inverter, it can drive only half as much high - brightness wire as standard.
This EL wire is great for costuming, decoration, accent lighting, safety vests, and decorations for bicycles, motorcycles, cars, boats, and homes, as well as signs. However, it's not for outdoor use and will fade if exposed to UV continuously.
To use, you must connect the wire to an inverter that provides an AC supply of about 100V at 2000 Hz (inverter not included). This 250 cm long wire is the maximum that our 2xAA portable pocket inverter can drive. The full length draws 200mA from 2xAA batteries, so 2000mAh batteries will last about 10 hours in 'constant' mode.
We used this EL wire to make our cool TRON bag, so check it out for inspiration. This is a pre - cut, pre - soldered 250 cm piece of EL. You can plug it right into an inverter and start glowing in seconds. If you want to do something more complex, you can cut and resolder it as you like. Soldering to EL wire is a bit tricky, but we have a detailed step - by - step tutorial. You'll need wire strippers, a soldering iron & solder, copper tape, heat shrink, and a third - hand tool can be very useful.
Note that EL tape, EL wire, and EL panel are made by different processes, so the color and brightness won't be consistent among these different types of EL products. They'll all have slightly different colors.
Using this EL wire is simple. First, you need to connect it to an inverter that provides an AC supply of about 100V at 2000 Hz. Remember, the inverter is not included in the package. Once connected, the wire will start glowing in a beautiful aqua color right away.
If you want to use our 2xAA portable pocket inverter, this 250 cm long wire is the maximum length it can drive. The wire draws 200mA from 2xAA batteries, so with 2000mAh batteries, it will last about 10 hours in 'constant' mode.
If you want to do some custom work, you can cut and resolder the wire. But be aware that soldering to EL wire is a bit tricky. You'll need wire strippers, a soldering iron and solder, copper tape, and heat shrink. A third - hand tool can also make the job easier. We've got a detailed step - by - step tutorial to guide you through.
Now, for the precautions. This wire is not designed for outdoor use. If it's continuously exposed to UV, it will fade over time. Also, keep in mind that EL tape, EL wire, and EL panel are made by different processes, so their colors and brightness won't match exactly.
As for maintenance, there isn't much to do. Just keep it away from sharp objects that could damage the PVC sheath. If it gets dirty, you can gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
