EL Wire (electroluminescent wire) is a flexible, easy to work with, low power consumption light source that you can use to light up just about anything from skirts to sculptures. The wire is made from two different sets of wires that are coated with phosphor and plastic that light up when you hook it up to an EL wire driver or sequencer.
This Instructable is a collaboration between leonardo ismael (aka Oscar - Instructables' newest intern) and noahw that was made possible by the good folks over at Cool Neon. In addition to the step-by-step instructions that are in this Instructable, you can also check out the easily printable/portable .pdf directions that are attached to this step.
This Instructable is a collaboration between leonardo ismael (aka Oscar - Instructables' newest intern) and noahw that was made possible by the good folks over at Cool Neon. In addition to the step-by-step instructions that are in this Instructable, you can also check out the easily printable/portable .pdf directions that are attached to this step.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Prep the End of the EL Wire
In order to make your El wire light up you will need a driver or sequencer of some sort to power it. No need to be afraid of these terms - the drivers and sequencers just delver power to the wire similar to how a power brick delivers power to your laptop. You can buy a driver or sequencer from the same place you get your EL wire. You will also need either a harness or some kind of connecting wires to attach the EL wire to the driver or sequencer. Assuming you have these components, you're ready to start putting the EL wire together.
Some wire may have its' ends already stripped and prepared for you. If your wire has already had its' ends prepped then just skip this step.
First you will start with the bare EL wire pictured below. There are lots of different pictures in each step so click on each of the images below and follow along with the numbered steps.
Second picture:
Now grab a wire cutter and strip off the colored PVC sleeve around half an inch from the end of the wire. Make sure that you do not cut all the way in, just strip off the colored PVC covering.
Third picture:
Now you will see a thinner clear PVC sleeve covering the core wire.
Fourth picture:
Cut the clear PVC sleeve off, but be very careful not to cut too deep because two very small and fragile wires called angel wires are right underneath it.
Fifth picture:
Now that you have both sleeves off, you will notice that there is phosphor coating on the thicker center wire. This is not a skin so do not cut it off. Instead, carefully scratch or sand it off with some sandpaper or a razor blade.
Some wire may have its' ends already stripped and prepared for you. If your wire has already had its' ends prepped then just skip this step.
First you will start with the bare EL wire pictured below. There are lots of different pictures in each step so click on each of the images below and follow along with the numbered steps.
Second picture:
Now grab a wire cutter and strip off the colored PVC sleeve around half an inch from the end of the wire. Make sure that you do not cut all the way in, just strip off the colored PVC covering.
Third picture:
Now you will see a thinner clear PVC sleeve covering the core wire.
Fourth picture:
Cut the clear PVC sleeve off, but be very careful not to cut too deep because two very small and fragile wires called angel wires are right underneath it.
Fifth picture:
Now that you have both sleeves off, you will notice that there is phosphor coating on the thicker center wire. This is not a skin so do not cut it off. Instead, carefully scratch or sand it off with some sandpaper or a razor blade.
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
http://www.amazon.com/JVCC-CFL-5CA-Copper-Conductive-Adhesive/dp/B000UZ8SJK
So you know how I found it, I used this website:
http://www.google.com/search?q=amazon+copper+tape
If Amazon.com is not available in your area, you will need to improvise. ..
I noticed this tape is often touted as "slug repellent tape" so you may also find it at a local gardening or nursery store.
Have you tried any of the big box hardware stores (homedepot or lowes)???They sometimes have things like that in the electrical section...Or maybe a car parts store that caters to the high end upgrading; EL wire is often used in cars...Then there is always (if you live in a town big enough) an electrical supply store (the kind of place that has plugs and switches that can fit anything)...
If none of these places have what you are looking for...They might be able to point you in the right direction to the place that does...
I hope you have already found your wire and if you haven't I hope this helps...
Happy building and good luck...