5M EL Wire Neon Light Flexible Rope Tube - Green (Waterproof)

Specifications:

• Operating Voltage: ~12V
• Input Requirement: Requires DC-to-AC Inverter (Sold Separately)
• Length: 5 Meters
• Color: Green (Cold Neon Glow)
• Diameter: 2.3mm
• Life Span: >10,000 Hours

Key Applications & Projects

• Wearable Tech: Add glowing outlines to jackets, hats, or cosplay armor.
• Robotics Aesthetics: Outline your robot's chassis for night-time visibility or "tron-like" styling.
• Interior Decor: Accentuate computer desks, car dashboards, or shelving units.
• Safety Lighting: High-visibility markers for emergency exits or bicycle frames.

Project Evolution 

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you have already mastered basic Blink sketches with 5mm LEDs or standard RGB strips, you are ready for EL Wire.
  
• Feature Upgrade: This product unlocks the ability to create "liquid light" effects. Unlike LEDs which are point-sources of light, EL wire provides a continuous, unbroken line of glow that looks spectacular in long-exposure photography.
  
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. While the wire is easy to shape, it requires an EL Inverter (driver) to convert DC power to the high-frequency AC needed for luminescence.

Virtual Technician & Wiring ⚠️

SAFETY WARNING: EL Wire requires an AC Inverter. Never connect the wire directly to a battery or a DC power supply.

• Connector: Standard 2-pin JST-SM connector.
  
• Wiring: Connect the JST terminal to any 3V, 5V, or 12V EL Inverter (depending on your power source).
  
• Trimming: You can cut the wire at any point. Ensure you seal the cut end with a drop of hot glue or a heat-shrink end cap to prevent moisture ingress or accidental shocks.

Package Includes: 

1 X 5M EL Wire Neon Light Flexible Rope Tube - Green (Waterproof)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I power this 5M Green EL Wire?
   You need an EL Inverter. It converts DC (from batteries or USB) to high-frequency AC.
2. Can I cut the EL wire to a shorter length?
   Yes, it can be cut at any point. The remaining piece will still glow.
3. Does EL wire get hot during use?
   No, it is a "cold" light source and remains cool to the touch even after hours of operation.
4. Is this EL wire waterproof?
   The wire itself is waterproof (IP65), but the connector and inverter must be kept dry.
5. Why does my inverter make a high-pitched humming sound?
   This is normal. The sound is caused by the high-frequency oscillation required to excite the phosphor.
6. Can I solder two pieces of EL wire together?
   Yes, but it requires delicate soldering of the central core and the two fine hair-wires.
7. What is the diameter of the wire?
   It is 2.3mm, making it very easy to sew into fabric or glue into small grooves.
8. Can I power this directly from an Arduino pin?
   No. An Arduino pin cannot provide the high-voltage AC required. Use a shield or an inverter.
9. How bright is it compared to LED strips?
   EL wire is a soft neon glow, best seen in low-light or dark environments. It is not intended for room illumination.
10. Does the green color fade over time?
    All EL wires have a half-life, but our Lab Verified batch is rated for over 12,000 hours.
11. Can I bend it at a 90-degree angle?
    Yes, it is extremely flexible and can handle sharp bends.
12. What happens if I connect it to DC directly?
    It will not light up and could potentially damage the internal phosphor layer.
13. Is the wire UV resistant?
    It has moderate UV resistance, but prolonged direct sunlight may eventually fade the outer PVC sleeve.
14. How much current does it draw?
    Very little. A 5M length typically draws less than 100mA depending on the inverter efficiency.
15. Can I control the brightness with PWM?
    You cannot PWM the wire directly, but you can PWM the input of certain DC-input inverters.
16. Is it safe for clothing?
    Yes, it is cold and flexible, making it very popular for rave and dance costumes.
17. What is the "Only EL Wire" designation?
    It means this package includes the 5M wire with a connector, but does NOT include the inverter/driver.
18. Can I use this for outdoor signage?
    Yes, as long as the connections are weather-sealed.
19. What is the difference between this and Neon LED strips?
    Neon LED strips are thicker and use point-LEDs; EL wire is thinner and uses a phosphor-coated wire.
20. Is the glow uniform?
    Yes, the electroluminescent process ensures a perfectly uniform glow along the entire 5M length.