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EL Tape Electroluminescent Tape is an amazingly cool lighting product! Put simply, Split EL is what you want when designing a lighting system for an airport, hotel, bar, retail, trade show or commercial use, while Parallel EL is what you want for costuming, small signage applications, or small electronic applications. Split Electrode EL Tape is a brighter, longer lasting system, but also more expensive.
It uses a thicker laminate and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It's made on a reel to reel process which allows for long runs, capable of spanning long distances. This makes it perfect for egress in commercial buildings, or even visible accents for retail or trade show displays. Although generally intended for indoor use, EL Tape is also available by special request in a waterproof casing IP68 which will allow outdoor usage.
EL Tape is a wonderful touch to add to any interior or exterior space, try it on your bar, accent rails, hallways, stairs, and anywhere else! EL Tape provides a glow that is easy on the eyes, yet attractive and memorable. This inner sleeve is made from a clear, waterproof plastic. The second PVC sleeve, which is often chemically dyed to produce a vast array of colors, is laid over the entire strand.
It provides an extra layer of protection and is often variegated to give the illusion of texture. Lastly, no EL wire is complete without an AC power source. The addition of electricity to your EL wire begins a reaction on the atomic level that allows the wire to glow.
The ancient Greek god Phosphorus was known as the bringer of light. He was often evoked in reference to Venus when the planet was visible before dawn. The Latin name for this same god was "Lucifer. When electricity is applied to an electroluminescent wire, electrons in the wire's phosphor coating are knocked to a higher energy level or orbital.
When these electrons move back to their original energy level, they emit light particles called photons. Only at the point when the electrons release their extra energy and return to their previous state will they release photons, causing the phosphor to glow.
So, why is AC better than DC for electroluminescent wire? If direct current DC were applied to the EL wire, light emission would stop as soon as the current stops exciting the electrons. As DC moves in only one direction, the glowing would begin and end very quickly as the current passed. For EL wire to continuously glow, it needs a constant supply of electrical current.
With alternating current AC , the electrical current moves back and forth between the positive and negative poles of the circuit. This alternating polarity means that electricity constantly flows through the circuit, giving the EL wire a constant electrical supply. Consequently, the phosphor atoms are continuously being ionized , or having their electrons change energy level. Since these ions are always having their electrons jump from one energy level to another -- the process by which they emit light -- they will glow continuously.
Additionally, AC can provide higher voltages than DC because alternating current can be stepped up or down by using transformers. This is key for determining how brightly your EL wire will shine. Higher voltages cause more electron excitation, which in turn leads to a brighter light [source: PBS ].
For EL wire applications that won't work with standard electrical outlets, battery power is the way to go. 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.
Your EL wire's length determines how much power you'll need, and the power you use determines how bright your EL wire will appear. Using an inverter that's too small in relation to the length of the wire will hinder its ability to produce bright light. An inverter that's correctly sized will dramatically increase EL wire's brightness. Electroluminescent wire is becoming a popular decoration or accent on clothing -- but is it safe to have an electrical source so close to your skin?
No matter where or how you use EL wire, take precautions with high voltage, and use a fuse with your inverter to prevent short circuits. Additionally, avoid over-bending the wire, as this is a common cause of such shorts. Battery packs with inverters are usually the power source for those who want to glow on the go. If you're wearing EL wire in clothing or costumes and don't fancy getting a small shock, you should also be sure the area where the wire connects to the inverter is well insulated.
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. It burns very little energy, glows cool to the touch and costs relatively little. If you're a savvy shopper, you can often find good deals on pricing. Some retailers sell EL kits -- which can be a great value -- while others sell EL wire by the foot.
In addition to being affordable, EL wire is also durable. Unlike neon or fluorescent light , EL has no filament that can break. Though some consumers prefer longer-lasting, custom-made neon signs, EL wire costs less, breaks less and allows your own creativity to shine.
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