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

Specifications:

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

Key Applications:

• Costume & Cosplay: Tron suits, glowing outlines on armor, safety gear for night jogging.
• Automotive: Dashboard trim, ambient interior lighting (soft glow doesn't distract drivers).
• Signage: Bend the wire into cursive text or logos for custom neon signs.
• Architecture: Safety pathway lighting or model making.

Project Evolution:

• Concept: Moving from rigid illumination to organic, flexible lighting.
  
• Past Projects: You might have used 5050 LED Strips for under-glow. While bright, they can't handle sharp corners or be sewn into fabric.
  
• Feature Upgrade: The EL Wire unlocks the ability to create 3D light shapes. You can wrap it around bicycle frames, sew it into jackets, or glue it into tight grooves in 3D printed parts.
  
• Effort Level: Beginner. If you can plug in a connector, you can use this.
  
• Minimum Hardware: You simply need an EL Driver/Inverter (Sold separately) matching the length of the wire (e.g., a 5M capable driver).

⚠️ Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety

• CRITICAL WARNING: EL Wire operates on High Voltage, High Frequency AC (approx 100V AC). NEVER connect this wire directly to a battery (3V/9V/12V) or Arduino pin. It will not light up and may short your power source. You MUST use a dedicated EL Inverter.
  
• Cutting the Wire: You can cut this wire to any length! However, the cut end must be sealed with heat shrink or hot glue to prevent the fine angel hair wires (corona wires) from shorting with the center copper core. Probots™ Secure-Transit  ensures your wire arrives with a clean, pre-soldered JST connector ready for use.
  
• The "Whine": It is normal for EL Inverters to make a faint high-pitched whining sound. This is the oscillation frequency of the transformer and is not a defect.

Package Includes: 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I power this directly with 12V DC?
   No, you must use an EL Inverter.
2. I cut it?
   Yes, anywhere. Seal the end after cutting.
3. Is it waterproof?
   The wire is waterproof; the connector/inverter is not.
4. Does it make noise?
   The inverter makes a faint high-pitched whine (normal).
5. How do I mount it?
   Use clear fishing line, cyanoacrylate (super glue), or hot glue.
6. Does it get hot?
   No, it is a cold light source.
7. Can I extend it?
   Yes, if you have a powerful enough inverter.
8. Is the battery pack included?
   No, this is the wire only.
9. What is the "Angel Hair"?
   Two fine wires wrapped around the core; don't break them!
10. Why is the unlit color pinkish/white?
    Phosphor naturally looks different when unpowered.
11. Can I dim it?
    Only with specific advanced inverters.
12. Will UV light damage it?
    Prolonged sun exposure can fade the PVC jacket.
13. What is the bending radius?
    ~10mm.
14. Can I use a 3M driver for 5M wire?
    It will be dimmer. Match the driver to the length.
15. Can I use a 10M driver for 5M wire?
    Yes, but it may shorten the wire's lifespan slightly.
16. How do I fix a dark section?
    If the middle is dark, the core is broken (unfixable).
17. Is it safe for clothes?
    Yes, perfectly safe and cool.
18. What connector is used?
    JST-SM (2-pin).
19. Does it act like a neon tube?
    Visually yes, but much thinner and flexible.
20. Can I control it with Arduino?
    Yes, by switching the inverter's power with a Relay/Transistor.