EL Wire, or Electroluminescent wire, features a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and covered by a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied, it glows aqua (blue-green), but this one has a vivid red coating. It's bendable, can hold its shape, and looks like thin neon. It's an easy way to add glow to your project. It's not as bright as LEDs but uses much less power.
We offer 2.6mm thick EL wire with a red 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 32 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 an inverter can drive only half as much high-brightness wire as standard.
This wire is great for costuming, decoration, accent lighting, safety vests, and more. However, it's not for outdoor use as UV exposure will fade it.
To use, connect the wire to an inverter providing an AC supply of about 100V at 2000 Hz (inverter not included). This 250 cm wire is the maximum length our 2xAA portable pocket inverter can drive. The full length draws 200mA from 2xAA batteries, so 2000mAh batteries last about 10 hours on 'constant' mode.
We used this EL wire to make our awesome TRON bag for inspiration. It's pre-cut and pre-soldered, so 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 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 the color and brightness won't be consistent across these EL products.
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 handle. When you use 2xAA batteries, the full - length wire draws 200mA. So, if you have 2000mAh batteries, they'll last about 10 hours in 'constant' mode.
If you want to customize the wire, you can cut and resolder it. But be aware that 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've written a detailed step - by - step tutorial to help you with this.
As for maintenance, this wire is not designed for outdoor use. If it's continuously exposed to UV light, it will fade. Also, keep in mind that different types of EL products like EL tape, EL wire, and EL panel have different manufacturing processes, so their colors and brightness won't match exactly.
