Modern lighting technology is largely based on LED technology. The biggest advantages of this technology are low power consumption, low voltage power supply, high efficiency, as well as the ability to change the colour of light and easy control of its brightness. It turns out, however, that techniques based on the phenomenon of electroluminescence are gaining popularity – including increasingly common luminescent wires, eagerly used in various gadgets, interior lighting or in decorating objects at will.
The EL Wire
But first let’s start with what is behind the term electroluminescent wire. The wire consists of a rigid core – a copper wire, which is covered with a so-called luminophore, a chemical compound that, depending on the type of activator, can emit light of different colour under certain conditions. When an alternating current flows through the core, the phosphor starts emitting light. This phenomenon is called electroluminescence.
These wires can be covered with a protective PVC layer of various colours, corresponding to the colour of the light they emit. They are powered by relatively high AC voltage (90V AC) and have a very low current requirement of 10mA per metre, which makes them more economical than LEDs. They are flexible and retain their shape, which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications and projects, such as accent lighting, signs, advertising, clothing illumination and decoration.
Examples of usage
The possibilities of using such electroluminescent wires are practically limited only by the skill and imagination of the performer. We will now present some of the suggestions that have come to mind.
Inscriptions and signs
The properties of electroluminescent wire make it a very good idea to use them to emphasise some inscription or sign. This can not only be very effective in attracting the attention of others, but also in emphasising the importance of, for example, an information or prohibition sign. The inscription constructed with EL Wire can be both large and small in size, competing with neon signs, however, when laying the smallest fonts, be careful not to damage the wire – it may break.
An inscription that catches the eye from a distance is an option for use both at home as a decoration and in public buildings. Another example is the informative function – shop windows and gardens of restaurants are ideal places to let customers know from a distance what awaits them in the premises. Luminous inscriptions can be a great addition to interiors, adding considerable individuality to them, especially when combined with a specific message that is important to us or a quotation from our favourite book or song.
Unique interior lighting
Going one step further, different coloured light sources can also successfully add a modern touch to interiors. Recently gaining in popularity, suspended ceilings are spectacularly complemented by subtle light sources. LED strips are often used here, but if you want to arrange cupboards and shelves, an electroluminescent wire will do better, as it can easily fit into angles, tight gaps and folds or wavy shapes.
Decorating clothes
Are you interested in Cosplay? Are you a fan of Science Fiction? Or maybe you just want to stand out? With EL Wire you can create any piece of clothing from the next millennium on your own. All you need is a bit of manual skill in sewing and connecting elements of the electrical system, with which you can equip jackets, waistcoats, bags or backpacks. The effect is really impressive. An example of how to transform a bag into a cybernetic style, as if taken straight from the film TRON, can be found here.
An equally interesting option are unique costumes, for example for various club events or unique Halloween creations. Basically, everything depends on your desire, creativity and sewing skills. However, we think that for such an effect it is worth at least trying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNvBM9JSeN0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGZmIvp9JKs
A rather non-obvious fact can also be an improvement in safety. A reflective waistcoat equipped with luminous wires will be even more visible. In the standard version we are visible in it only when the light e.g. from a driving car reflects from the reflective elements sewn into its body. In a situation when it emits light itself, we will be visible from a distance of even several hundred metres, and this is a very big increase in safety in emergency situations.
Accessories for stage design
These days, everyone keeps a mobile, advanced command and entertainment centre called a smartphone in their pocket or handbag. In most cases, the phone’s camera allows you to take very good quality photos, offering a variety of sophisticated modes to choose from, which will further enhance the photo with interesting effects. With a little willingness and ingenuity, anyone can take quite good photographs, portraits, macro shots and those where the field of focus has been used in an interesting way. One of the most important aspects of photography, however, is good light.
It’s worth noting, however, that it’s not just about high brightness – it’s often worth trying to shoot in lower light conditions, or even twilight, to get an interesting effect. For added drama, you can use “custom” light sources that will bring an interesting glow to the frame, and take your photos to a whole other level. By using the various colours that the EL Wire cable offers, you can create your own scenery for your photo shoots. The cable is thin enough that you can easily hide it behind a photographed object or silhouette, which will give an amazing visual effect.
For those involved in photography professionally, this will be just as interesting. The better the camera lens, the more possibilities, and when combined with the use of e.g. stage fog, photographs can be achieved at the highest level. The delicate glow of the EL Wire, arranged, for example, in the outline of a face, when taken in the dark can give an extremely chilling effect.
In addition to this, constructions enriched with electroluminescent wires can simply be an interesting background for photo shoots or filming. Stage accessories decorated with El Wire will also create a unique atmosphere and at a relatively low cost.
Impressive art shows
What about conditions of total darkness? In our opinion, the darker the better. Cleverly prepared stage creations with built-in electroluminescent cables are a way to put on a good show. This is possible thanks to their flexibility – there is no obstacle to bend the wire with power connected. Everything, however, in moderation – as we mentioned before – with extreme treatment of the cables they can become damaged.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJpHP2Cv-T8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMjovmAni3I
After equipping the costume with a set of batteries, combined with an appropriate inverter, we will obtain wearable works of art, which will give an almost unreal effect on stage. Such arrangements will certainly be an important addition in contemporary art or in unusual theatrical performances. Here too, the more creative the better the effect, and the possibilities for using EL Wire to present different forms are endless.
Car interior lighting
EL Wire electroluminescent wires are not just for art and home interior design. They can also be used in automotive applications. Most often, grey and drab interiors are an everyday sight on the way to work, home, shopping, or just along for the ride. However, it is possible to change this state of affairs in a relatively simple way, which does not require dismantling the entire cockpit to the last screw.
Four-wheel enthusiasts are keen to equip their vehicles with interesting gadgets, modules and trinkets. With the emergence of new technologies, the possibilities of decorating the dull interior of your car have increased dramatically. You can use EL Wire to decorate your dashboards, creating mood lighting. Some premium car brands already use subtle lighting on the cockpit and doors, so this is an interesting way to have in your car a substitute for a luxury limousine.
This is just one suggestion for use in bringing vehicle interiors into the next generation. In this case, El Wire are an alternative to fibre optics and LED strips, which can often even change colour when used with good quality drivers and relays. The more expensive and advanced kits even have the ability to connect to mobile apps. The most important thing, however, is that absolutely any car can be modified in this way.
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