CooLight EL Wire 101 - GENERAL FAQS
What is EL Wire - Electroluminescent Wire?
It
is a light source based on the technology of Electroluminescent. A
360 degree linear light source in the form of a center flexible copper wire coated with phosphor lubricant and wrapped with two fine copper wires. The phosphor coated core this then layered with two PVC sleeves - 1) an inner PVC sheath to provide initial core wire protection and 2) a second sleeve - clear or colored with organic florescent dye to provide color.
It comes in many
colors and diameters of 1.2mm to 5.0mm and continuous lengths up to
hundreds of feet. When the appropriate electric power is applied to EL
Wire, the flexible fiber glows similarly to neon light. Cool to the touch and very low power
consumption! It is not as bright as LEDs or Neon but provides a very nice eye-catching light and illumination.
EL Wire requires an inverter to light up.
An inverter is a small
electric device operated by DC voltage. The inverter's function is to
convert the low DC voltage into higher AC voltage necessary for EL Wire
operation.
Why are there different types of inverters?
For
optimum efficiency, the power inverter needs to be appropriate for the
resistance and capacitance EL Wire characteristics, both of
which are determined by the fiber length. Each inverter is designed to
drive different length ranges of EL Wire. CooLight can help you select
the
appropriate inverter if you have any questions. Many of our inverters
can be integrated with DMX and micro-controllers such as Arduino.
What types of inverters are available?
Inverters
designed to light up EL Wire ranging from several inches to 328ft of wire, typical DC voltage range of
1.5vdc to 12+vdc. Longer lengths of 50+ft require 12vdc. The inverters can also be powered by a DC-to-AC wall transformers for simple plug-in power.
How do changes in electrical input affect the brightness?
Brightness
is affected by both voltage and frequency. The higher the voltage or
frequency, the brighter the wire. EL Wire typically operates in a range of
internal voltage of 80-130+VAC (RMS), depending on the needs of the
application. EL Wire can be operated at a wide range of frequency too - the most
range from 450-3000Hz range. It can be operated up 8000Hz
but this will reduce the useful lifetime and should only be considered
where brightness is required for shorter term installations.
Can EL Wire brightness be manipulated?
Yes.
Brightness level can be manipulated through both voltage
and/or frequency. Choosing a higher output of frequency and/or voltage will
inverter will increase brightness. Choosing lower end frequency will reduce brightness a bit and also extend useful lifetime.
Do the inverters emit sound?
The inverters do emit a slight
audible pitch which is due to operating frequency and inverter component design. Standard
household is 60Hz, the higher the hertz the more audible it becomes. Most EL Wire inverters operate in the 1500Hz - 3000Hz. Most of our inverters are very quiet. The inverter can also be stored in a more isolated location with lead wire connected.
Yes, EL Wire requires soldering... and, we do offer solder/connection service
Solder Step 1 - Strip outer and inner conductive sleeve off to expose coated core and two fine hairs wire. Strip wires (off-set) draw back two fine conductors and scrape white phosphor coating off tip for solder point. Put heat shrink tube over lead wire for final step.
Solder Step 2 - Solder center conductor to short lead conductor and wrap fine hair wires around the other conductor lead. TEST!
Solder Step 3 - Solder coat the fine wires.
Solder Step 4 - Slide heat shrink tube and apply heat.
End Termination Step 5 - At end of EL Wire to prevent moisture from getting in and prematurely breaking down (dark spots) the phosphor; simply place a dab of super glue or a small piece of heat shrink to seal up the end. (not pictured)
Why is EL Wire better than LED and fiber optics (emitting light from the sides)?
EL Wire provides the following advantages over neon, LED and fiber optics:
* Flexibility, braiding or looping
* Light along the entire length, 360 degrees
* Low power consumption
* Cool to the touch
* Wide range of colors
* Continuous length of operation up to 328ft/100m
What is the lifetime of EL Wire?
The
useful lifetime is up to thousands of hours, depending on the frequency
and voltage inputs. The useful lifetime of EL Wire is defined as the amount of time it takes
for the wire's brightness to diminish to 30% of its initial brightness.
Higher frequency and voltage will result in brighter wire but will shorten its useful
lifetime. The EL Wire dims very gradually with use, and continues to emit a
dimmed light for a long time after its useful lifetime.
What are the voltage levels are needed to operate EL Wire?
Most common inverter voltage level is between 80 -130 VAC.
What colors and diameters are available for EL Wire?
Aqua (Blue Green), Blue, Green, Lime Neon Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow, White
EL wire is most commonly available in the following diameters:
1.2 mm (0.05in). A delicate wire with a bright fine point of light
2.3mm (0.09in). When thinner wire is required
3.2mm (0.13in). Flexible, like thick spaghetti and the most versatile
5.0mm (0.2in). Thick for added durability
Examples of some EL Wire applications:
* Theater stage set design, costume design, aisle and step lighting
* Light decoration and Signage for exhibitions, events and businesses
* Integration with Clothing, Hats and Costumes
* Home theater lighting
* Interior Accent Lighting, under cabinets, trim molding
* Automobile, RV and Boat interior and exterior lighting
* Added to garments for night time activities
* Signage
* Art and Sculpture design integration
* Night guide lighting for stairs, camping
* Night time hobby drone and kite flying, whee!
Can EL Wire be used outdoors?
The
3.2 mm and 5.0 mm are recommended for outdoor use; 2.3mm is okay for
limited outdoor use, clothing, limited/intermittent exposure is fine.
Can EL Wire be used for clothing and fashion applications?
Definitely!
El Wire is the perfect lighting product for fantastic and safe lighting
effects in textiles, fabrics, and accessories. It provides a flexible,
cold, low-power, and easy to attach product for use with fashion
applications with glue or loop sewing with fishing line. Garments can be
dry-cleaned however there is always that pesky "waiver".
by Alexandra Wynne
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How can EL Wire be affixed?
Depending
on the project and surface you are working with: clear cable clamps,
clear zip ties, double stick tape (3M), channel molding, clear packing
tape, hot glue, super glue and fishing line are options.
To what degree can EL Wire be bent and twisted?
The
wire is very flexible and can be bent, looped and twisted. However,
over-bending, for example, tying the fiber in a tight knot, may harm the wire's internal structure.
The bending diameter it recommended to be at least 5 times greater than the wire diameter.
If you touch the core, will EL Wire cause electrocution?
Touching
the wire core cannot cause electrocution. Touching the core alone will
have no effect whatsoever. Touching the core and the spiral fibers
together while the EL Wire is connected to power or a battery, maybe
produce a slight shock or "zit" (similar to touching a tongue to a 9v
battery), caused by the low power short circuit.
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