Using EL Wire on Model Railroads

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January 21, 2015

Julie asks readers:

“Has anyone used EL wire for banks of florescent lighting? It sounds like a good idea from the outside but I would like to know about good or bad reasons about using it.”

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One Response to Using EL Wire on Model Railroads

Frank Bushnell says:

January 23, 2015 at 9:09 am

Electro Luminescent wire is beautiful stuff – it should give you some very interesting effects.
EL panels are also available, and can be cut to the required size.

Bad reason for using it ? It operates at a few hundred volts ! (But only a very tiny current.)
A small inverter (low V in, high V out) (can be battery operated) can power a considerable length.

So the EL wire and the high voltage cables to it must be kept well insulated and out of reach of fingers !
You would be wise to have a good basic knowledge of electricity and electrical safety.

Perhaps not very suitable for layouts played with by children !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroluminescence

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