EL wire
feature, light — By Blaine Brownell on March 6, 2006 at 1:37 pmElectroLuminescent Wire consists of a concentric series of layers, each performing a different function. In the center is a solid copper conductor, which is coated with an electroluminescent phosphor. Two very fine wires are wrapped around the phosphor. A clear or colored plastic sheath comes next, and a second plastic sheath surrounds the first. The functions of each of these layers are as follows:
The center copper conductor and the two fine wires together supply power. The copper conductor also provides a small amount of mechanical rigidity, and is used as a substrate upon which to deposit the phosphor. The phosphor is the key element of EL wire; it emits light when subjected to an AC field. The inner plastic sheath protects the phosphor and in some cases is used to filter the light produced by the phosphor, emphasizing certain colors. The outer plastic sheath provides further protection. Many phosphors are highly sensitive to moisture; the two sheaths together provide good protection against infiltration.
EL wire can be driven by any AC source. Power is applied between the inner conductor and the two outer wires (which are tied together). This applies an AC field across the phosphor, causing it to glow. A high voltage in the range of 100V is required to make the wire glow brightly. It can be produced from an inverter, from the mains (e.g. a wall outlet), from an audio amplifier, from a signal generator, etc. If the voltage is not high enough (as in the case of a medium power audio amplifier), it can be stepped up with a transformer. When the wire is connected to a high current source like the AC mains, a fuse and/or current limiting resistor is used for safety due to the danger of a short circuit.
EL wire acts as a capacitor, with capacitance proportional to the length of the wire segment. This means that given a constant voltage, power consumption is proportional to frequency. Light output is also roughly proportional to frequency. See the appropriate table for a more accurate guide to the relationship of light output to frequency and voltage.
The spectrum produced by some types of EL wire varies with the frequency of the applied power. Those that are filtered (have a colored inner sheath) vary less in color. The “aqua” (“ice blue”) wire is most sensitive; its color can be varied from deep green to deep blue by varying the power frequency from 60 Hz to 6 kHz. Due to its capacitive nature, to maintain constant brightness as frequency is swept the voltage must also be varied, from high voltage at low frequency to a lower voltage at high frequency.
Contact: Torche, Gerlach, NV, USA.
Tags: electrical, intelligent, light, product
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5 Comments
Ok, don’t mean to be obnoxious here, but electroluminescent wire is pretty common stuff… I used it for a craft project 5 years ago and even then it was common. Anyone want to submit concrete next? I hear it is a revolutionary material that “interstates” will be built out of!
On a topical note, the wire is great, through a couple items on the life span should be mentioned. The first is the “filtered” wire – wire that has a colored platic coating – it is bright enough, but you have to be careful of the how long it is used for because the plastic degrads and gets milky after many years. Not an issue for temp displays or for the car modder who will replace it in three months time – but if it is going to be part of a perm installation (like your house) then this point should be considered.
The second is that the higher the output voltage frequency from the inverter, the lower the life span of the wire. So, you trade off brightness for longevity in some cases.
Just some info.
Actually, anonymous, I’m pretty sure you DID mean to be obnoxious, there. Materials science is rather a niche area of interest, so brand-new topics can’t be expected every day. Besides, electroluminescent wire is new to most of us. You could have skipped your first paragraph and gone straight to the halfway-interesting stuff.
I don’t understand the negative comments on the past few posts. I’ve just discovered this site and really enjoy reading about new materials and technologies. Keep up the good work!
Ok, I guess I will have to create an account if I am to post frequently – or at least sign my name.
I seriously wasn’t trying to do anything except raise the bar – if possible. I just found the site last month myself, though it really isn’t too much of a suprise since it has only been around since late last year.
There was only one other post that was mine, it was the MARAG one asking for direct links to the products/materials pages on the corporate site the images & text are culled from. Also, a brief complaint on the age of that material too. Basically, asking for more information so that the post has relevency and I can learn more – otherwise I am just soaking in whatever someone posts…
The other item I did not comment on was the IQ glass – which is great and all, but what the heck is the efficiency on it? Power requirements? I read through the entire site and found two references to information that was useful: to completely replace heating in a room requires 1/3 of your wall space to be covered in windows -&- and a general comment on the time required to heat a given area. Nothing else useful.
I guess what I am trying to say is this: the parent website (Transstudio.com) as “forum for the major environmental, social, and economic issues that are transforming our physical world” and the author is a sustainable building advisor. The TransMaterial site bills itself as a forum for showcasing new materials through blurbs like this: “New materials are transforming our physical environment.” and even from the book itself: “Transmaterial features nearly 200 of the most cutting-edge new products not included on this website… ” With those two combined, I did not expect power sucking glass and 10+ year old technology showcased.
Sorry for being negative, but should I not discuss what I think about the material/product when the forum is presented to me?
-Eric
Hers a site wher you can pick up some wire EL Wire Best Buy.com or ELwires.com
Does anyone want to talk about batteries a little more??? How about EL Wire?