What is an EL panel?
All EL Panels (also called Light Boxes, Light Panels, Lite Panels and Luminescent Panels) are a paper thin laminated panels made from the element Phosphor that has a great glow when an electrical current AND high frequency passes. In order to light up, every EL Panel requires an inverter to operate.
Are EL panels waterproof?
Its covered in what seems to be PVC, the tape is thus weather-proof – but note that the connectors are NOT waterproof, just a bit of heatshrink. This isn’t something we would suggest leaving outdoors for extended periods.
Can El panel be cut?
Note: These panels can be cut to any shape! Regular scissors work fine to cut this EL panel but after you’ve cut the panel you should seal the exposed edges with some tape or epoxy to avoid shorting the panel or shocking yourself.
How long does EL panel last?
Generally speaking, EL has a lifespan of about 4,000-6,000 hours, however with our MEGA series of inverters, this lifespan is increased to about 6-8,000 hours, but we’ve seen products last well over 10,000 hours using these inverters.
How do I power my EL panel?
To power EL, an AC source is required. It is not possible to light up EL with DC such as batteries or a wall-wart adapter! The output of the inverter must be a sine-wave with no DC component. It is not unusual to have an inverter run from batteries, such as this ‘pocket’ AA driver.
How do you make EL panels?
EL panels – how to cut and connect tutorial – YouTube
What is the lifespan of EL wire?
When kept indoors or with limited outdoor exposure the lifespan of the EL wire will last as long as three years. Keeping your EL wire outdoors in direct sunlight will cut the life span to one to two years. The voltage is applied to your EL wire also affects its lifespan.
Why does EL wire make noise?
Nearly every el wire inverter or battery pack that has been made to date uses a very high frequency (generally over 1500Hz), which tend to make a loud humming noise which is in our audible range, and can be annoying in quiet environments. This is because most inverters are never really in tune.
Can you use hot glue on EL wire?
You can cut EL to any length or shape, but you must reseal the ends you cut. If you do not have an end cap for the EL wire, you can still seal the ends with hot glue or epoxy to seal cut wire.
Is EL wire DC or AC?
Because batteries provide direct current (DC), your battery-powered EL wires require an inverter, which converts DC into the AC you need. When it comes to inverters, two factors will help you determine what you need: the project you have in mind and the power you’ll need to make it work.
How long do EL wires last?
Can I cut El tape?
Is EL wire brighter than LED?
LED strips are the clear winner in this category, as they can easily change color and brightness while EL wire and tape can only be one color and level of brightness. EL wire and tape is cheaper than LED strips.
What voltage is EL 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.
What voltage is needed for EL wire?
between 50-120V AC RMS
The voltage should be between 50-120V AC RMS (150V-360V peak-to-peak). Higher voltages result in a brighter display (but lower overall wire-life). The AC frequency can run from 60Hz to 2000Hz, higher frequency results in a brighter display (but lower overall wire-life).
Can you cut EL wire to length?
You can cut EL to any length or shape, but you must reseal the ends you cut. If you do not have an end cap for the EL wire, you can still seal the ends with hot glue or epoxy to seal cut wire. If you don’t reseal, you could end up getting a good jolt.
Does EL wire get hot?
Though EL wire never gets hot, when electricity’s involved, safety is always a concern. How does EL wire compare with other lighting in terms of efficiency and cost? Given its common uses, it’s one of the most efficient forms of lighting on the market.
Can I cut EL wire?
How do you seal the end of El wire?
Why does El wire need an inverter?
Since electroluminescence requires AC current, EL wire can not be controlled directly by a microcontroller. Therefore you need an inverter (driver) and a triac. The inverter needed will depend on how long your EL wire is, an inverter can either be powered by 3V, 9V and 12V batteries or by 110 Volts AC wall current.
What is the lifespan of EL Wire?
Why does EL Wire make noise?
Can you cut EL wire anywhere?
Can EL Wire Be Cut? Yes, EL Wire can be cut at any point along the line and will continue to glow to the point where it is cut. We recommend to cut at a 30° angle and immediately after cutting to apply an end cap to the wire.
How do you seal the end of EL wire?
Can you use superglue on EL wire?
For example, EL wire can be mounted to a plastic surface (such as a helmet) by hot glue, E6000, or 3M Super Strength Adhesive.