EL Wire, or Electroluminescent wire, has a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied, it glows a beautiful aqua (blue - green) color. You can change its color by altering the coating, like this vivid blue version that looks a bit like thin neon. It's super bendable and can hold its shape, even curling around your finger. It's an easy way to add a glow to your projects. It's not as bright as LEDs but uses far less power! We offer 2.6mm thick EL wire with a blue 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 'standard' 2.3mm EL. Running at 1.5KHz/90V, it emits 82 cd/m² of light and has a half - life (50% brightness reduction) after 3000 hours of continuous use. It draws about 10mA per meter. The capacitance is about twice that of 'standard' EL, 11 nF/m. So, if you use an inverter, it can drive only half as much high - brightness wire as standard. This wire is great for costuming, decoration, accent lighting, safety vests, and various vehicle and home decorations, as well as signs. But it's not for outdoor use and will fade if exposed to UV. To use, connect the wire to an inverter that provides an AC supply of about 100V at 2000 Hz (inverter not included). This 250 - cm wire is the maximum length our handy 2xAA portable pocket inverter can drive. The full length draws 200mA from 2xAA batteries (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 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, and heat shrink. A third - hand tool is also very useful. Note that EL tape, EL wire, and EL panel are made differently, so their color and brightness won't be consistent.
Using this EL wire is easy. 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. This 250 - cm wire is the maximum length that our 2xAA portable pocket inverter can drive. If you use 2000mAh batteries, it will last about 10 hours in 'constant' mode. The wire is pre - cut and pre - soldered, so you can just plug it into the inverter and it'll start glowing right away. If you want to make it shorter or connect multiple pieces, you can cut and resolder it. But be careful, soldering to EL wire is a bit tricky. You'll need some tools like wire strippers, a soldering iron, solder, copper tape, and heat shrink. A third - hand tool can also make the job easier. We have a detailed tutorial to guide you through the process. As for where to use it, it's great for lots of things like costuming, decoration, and accent lighting. However, it's not designed for outdoor use. If it's continuously exposed to UV, it will fade. Also, keep in mind that EL tape, EL wire, and EL panel are made differently, so their colors and brightness might vary a bit.
