How does electroluminescence perform a cool light dance in the dark?

Mondo Entertainment Updated on 2024-02-21

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Electroluminescent light, also known as EL wire, was invented in 1936 by the Frenchman Georges Destriau. Its function — emitting a neon-like light — isn't new, but increasingly creative ways are being developed to take advantage of its properties. Electroluminescent materials come in sheet and filamentous form, and since their invention, both shapes have become more consumer-friendly. The earliest EL products were made of heavy, inflexible, and fragile materials, such as electroluminescent light, which was initially encased in glass or ceramic. There is an obvious problem with this design - neither glass nor ceramic is malleable: you can't coil, wrap or stretch it into new interesting shapes, which greatly reduces the practicality of EL lines. This problem is easily solved by wrapping the wire in a flexible plastic coating that makes the EL wire flexible and waterproof, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

During the 2008 Burning Man Festival, the performers of Suenos del Ag**e danced in El tinsel costumes.

The EL line is popular because of its versatility and high efficiency. Artists and hackers use it extensively to illuminate clothes (such as glowing clothing), bicycle spokes, and turntables. It's ubiquitous at festivals such as Burning Man, where people make towering structures welded together by colored wires. World-renowned light artist Marcus Tremento uses EL lines to fuse modern design and art. In terms of stairs, sidewalks and bicycle helmets, the EL line also has a decorative safety function. Emergency responders even used EL line tape to illuminate the scene of the accident. Whether purchased or homemade, whether it's for security lighting or eye-catching clothing, EL lines are a great choice for creative lighting projects large and small.

So how does the EL line work? Let's start with how it's made.

Composition of the EL line.

The beauty of electroluminescence is that it is relatively simple to compose. It consists of several parts: copper core, phosphorescent lubricant, 2 copper wires, 2 PVC bushings, AC power supply.

The structure of electroluminescent (EL) lines is fairly simple, with only five components.

The production of EL wire starts with a solid copper core, which acts as a conductor. A conductor is a material through which electricity (the flow of electrons) passes easily. The entire copper core is coated with a uniform layer of phosphor lubricant, and the phosphor – like the phosphor found in light rods and other luminous products – is the key to electroluminescent light, which is a solid material that emits light when exposed to an energy source such as electricity.

Next, two very thin copper wires are wound together to form a long wire. This wire is wound around a copper core coated with phosphorescent lubricant. Now that you have a layered element, think of its core as a sandwich – two conductors passing through them to deliver an electric current that provides the phosphor with the energy it needs to glow.

If exposed to moisture, EL lines may break. This is where the two PVC sleeves come into play, which protect the EL line from outside influences – which is especially important when you're using the EL line outdoors – and make it flexible. The first PVC sleeve was quite thin and light, it was pulled through the entire conduction unit, and this inner sleeve was made of transparent waterproof plastic. The second PVC sleeve, which is usually chemically dyed to produce a variety of colors, is laid on the entire thread. It provides an extra layer of protection and is often variegated, giving the illusion of texture.

Finally, the EL line is incomplete without AC power. Adding an electric current to the EL line initiates the reaction at the atomic level, causing it to emit light. Now that we know what the EL line consists of, let's see what makes it shine so beautifully.

Why does the EL line glow.

In order for the EL line to emit light continuously, it needs to be passed through a constant current. With an alternating current (AC), the current moves back and forth between the positive and negative terminals of the circuit. This alternating polarity means that current is constantly flowing through the circuit, providing a constant power supply to the EL line. As a result, the electrons in the atoms of the phosphors are constantly being ionized, or the energy levels are changed. Since the electrons of these ions always jump from one energy level to another – which is the process by which they emit light – they will continue to emit light. In addition, AC can provide a higher voltage than a DC power supply (DC) because AC current can be stepped up or down by using a transformer. This is the key to determining the brightness of the EL line because higher voltages excite more electrons, resulting in brighter light.

The EL line is powered by alternating current, not direct current. When an electric current is applied to the EL line, the electrons in the phosphorescent coating of the wire are struck and jump to a higher energy level or orbit. It is only when the electrons release additional energy and return to their ground state that they release photons, making the phosphor glow. So why is it better to use alternating current than direct current? If DC is added to the EL line, the wire will no longer emit light once the current stops excitation electrons. When DC electrons move in only one direction, the luminescence starts and ends very quickly as the current passes through.

For EL cords that do not have access to a standard power outlet, battery power can also be used. Since the battery is providing DC, the battery-powered EL wire requires an inverter that converts the DC power to the AC power required. When it comes to inverters, there are two factors that will help you determine what kind of inverter you need: the work item and the power required. The length of the EL line determines how much electrical energy is required, while the electrical energy used determines the brightness of the EL line. Using an inverter that is too small for the length of the wire will hinder its ability to emit light, while a properly sized inverter will significantly increase the luminous brightness of the EL line.

Safety, efficiency and cost of EL wires.

Electroluminescence is becoming a popular decoration or garment embellishment – but is it safe to put the power source so close to it? Wherever or how the EL line is used, be aware of high voltages and use fuses in the inverter to prevent short circuits. Also, avoid excessive bending of the wires, as this is a common cause of short circuits. Battery packs with inverters are often used as a power source by those who want to shine on the go. If you are wearing clothing or clothing for EL wires and do not want to receive a small electric shock, you should also make sure that the part of the wire connected to the inverter is well insulated. Although the EL line never heats up, safety is always a concern when it comes to electricity.

How does the EL line compare to other lighting in terms of efficiency and cost? Considering the common use of the EL line, it is one of the most efficient forms of lighting on the market. It consumes very little energy, is cold to the touch, and is relatively inexpensive. If you're a savvy shopper, you can often find reasonable deals on **. Some retailers **el kits, which may have great value for money, while others **el wires per foot. In addition to being affordable, EL lines are also durable. Unlike neon or fluorescent lights, EL does not have a filament that can break. Although some consumers prefer durable custom neon signs, EL lines cost less, break less, and allow you to show off your personal creativity. You can safely bend, wrap and wrap around it to create any design you want, just like you would with a rope light. While rope lights may cost less than EL lines, rope lights generate heat. In addition, many common brands of rope lights do not allow users to cut the string lights as needed. What's more, the running cost of the EL line is about 1 500 for neon or rope lights, and the EL line can be used repeatedly.

Although EL threads have a strong staying power, they will eventually fade due to sun exposure. Placing EL wires outdoors exposed to direct sunlight will shorten the life span to one to two years. When kept indoors or with limited outdoor exposure, the color of the EL line will last for up to three years. The voltage applied to the EL line also affects its lifespan. While a more powerful inverter will deliver a higher voltage to the EL line, making it brighter, a higher voltage will cause the EL line to lose brightness more quickly. Just like a regular incandescent bulb burns out faster when too much voltage is applied, so does the EL line. To get the most out of your money, you should follow the guidance and recommendations given by the EL line manufacturer.

Lighting display and EL line process.

The EL line is so popular because it makes it easy to create interesting effects, such as pulsed light, circles, or specific patterns that match the rhythm. In order to produce such an effect, you need to use a sequencer. The sequencer is programmable and can control the lighting mode and movement speed. Many people use EL lines for festive displays, and if you want to create a big outdoor décor, a sequencer comes in handy. For example, if there's a Halloween show in your yard where witches and ghosts are wrapped in colorful elders, the sequencer will allow you to set a repeating lighting pattern. The sequencer also lets you program **, which means that weird sound effects can be added to complete the paradoxical performance.

At the twelfth annual Burning Man Festival in Nevada, a 40-foot-tall Burning Man sculpture is wrapped in EL lines.

In addition to festive decorations, EL threads are also used in clothing to create interesting and unique effects. Sunglasses, jewelry, outerwear and pet collars can all be upgraded with EL lines, which now offer unlimited lighting options for clubs. When used in conjunction with a sequencer, the EL line for club lighting can even groove with the **. Budget-conscious consumers have turned to EL wires as a novel solution for personalized home and car lighting, and low-cost EL wires are a good alternative to neon signs in storefronts. Whether you're looking to save money on your holiday electricity bill or want to express yourself on the dance floor, the versatility and low cost of EL wires give you endless possibilities for inventions.

Far from the original inflexible, fragile product, EL wire has become a durable, adaptable product with multiple uses. You can assemble it yourself, and now it comes in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and lengths, EL threads are sure to bring a little light to your life.

Author: Joanna Burgess

Translation: Yueyue.

Reviewer: Kcollider(

Original link: how electroluminescent (el) wire worksfu.

Lilli. shi.

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