[simpits-tech] EL lighting

[Jim K.]

Guys,
I have quite a bit of EL lighting here that I have been testing for use on 
a panel.   I'm running the EL off a 12vdc supply.   There is an inverter 
inline that bumps up both the frequency and voltage.

EL does not actually completely DIE but over time its light output fades 
and that fading starts immediately although you won't notice that fade for 
a long time.      The harder you drive the EL the quicker that fading will 
occur.   With our type of application the EL would last decades before 
needing to be replaced.

In order to fit EL into a panel you need to trim it to size and cut holes 
in the sheet itself where ever a switch needs to pass thru.   The down side 
of doing any cutting is that cut edge is then electrically live.  So you 
need to tape that edge up to eliminate any "shorting" potential.
Jim