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Current Category Costumes Props
Costumes Sets and Props - Information Which EL Wire? We currently hold 4 types of EL wire stock
Ordinary bright is bargain priced because it is not as bright as the others. We have a range of colours and diameters. This wire is best used in instances where there is very little ambient light. Ultrabright is as the name suggests and is very flexible. We hold a lot of stock in 3.2mm diameter and we can order it in in other diameters. Lytec High Bright is our brightest. It is just as flexible but holds it's shape a little more due to a thick core wire. It measures 2.5mm diameter. We can obtain this wire in other diameters. Stiff wire is available in a few colours and diameters. Brightness is somewhere between that of ordinary and Ultrabright EL. Stiff EL has a parralel, insulated, stiff wire encased in the vinyl of the EL. This enables you to form a shape that holds. Welt wire is actually Ultrabright wire with a special shape (see below) All wire shapes (with the exception of welt wire) are a round shape. I have found the easiest technique to stitch them is to do a simple repeating overstitch. I use nylon thread as it is translucent. Ordinary thread will block the light output and create dark stripes down the wire. All wires (with the exception of the stiff wire) give a uniform 360degree output of light along the entire length. The stiff wire has a parralel holding wire that can shadow in some places. All grades and sizes use similar inverters to power them and draw similar amounts of power.
A guide to diameters 5mm is great but when used on human costume, you need to consider how the weight may drag on fine fabrics. It could be great on lapels, collars, thick jackets and the hems of wide leg pants but I would not suggest using it across the top of a chifon sleeve for example or it will just plonk down and twist the sleeve around. 3.2mm is our most popular as it is fairly light, has good visual impact and a good degree of flexibility. 2.5mm is available in Lytec High Bright EL. It is very flexible and holds it's shape fairly well so it is easier to handle when applying to shaped frames and props. 2mm Welt is a 2mm wire in Ultrabright but it has a welt/flap/tail jutting out from the sides that can be sandwiched between raw edges and stitched in. 1.4mm is exellent for more detailed designs but single isolated lines of EL can loose some visual impact over distance. We stock this in ordinary bright but we can order it in in other diameters and brands. 0.9mm is fascinating to look at when used for fine intricate patterns that look their best close up. If you have actors close to or mingling with an audience, this wire can be crochet, woven into hair and made in to jewellery that is mind boggling. We stock this in ordinary bright but we can orde4r it in in other diameters and brands.
One EL wire?... Multiple EL wires?... How do I connect it? If the following does not make sense please do call or email for further clarification. The wires must be powered by an inverter (sometimes called a driver). This little unit ensures that the power leaving the inverter is the correct voltage and frequency. We have both portable battery powered inverters and models that can be powered from large 12v batteries or standard household power. Each model of inverter is capable of powering a specific range of total EL length but it is irrelevant whether that length is one piece or multiple pieces. If you wanted to run different lengths of EL from the one inverter, you can increase the number of ports using splitter wires. There is no limit to the number of ports you can create.
EL panels or EL sheets in costumes and props? Why not?.. the sheets are so light and flexible there are many ways they can be used to great effect. We even have versions that can be cut. Refer to our category on EL backlight sheets for further information. If you want to know about customising power sources for your panels, email mandy@elec2go.com.au.
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