What is the difference between EZ Snap and Micro EL connectors?

EZ Snap connectors are the 20+ year industry standard for EL Wire, EL Tape, EL Panels, VynEL, SewGlo, and TruEL Wire — used on virtually all EL products from any manufacturer. The Micro EL Connector is a new compact connector designed by Ellumiglow, approximately one-quarter the size of EZ Snap, with a flat profile for concealing inside garments and wearables. LumoS and LumoX inverters use Micro connectors. An adapter bridges the two systems if you mix Micro inverters with EZ Snap EL products.

How do EL splitters work and how many runs can I connect?

EL splitters let you power multiple EL Wire, EL Tape, or EL Panel runs from a single inverter or battery pack. Ellumiglow carries 2-to-1, 3-to-1, 4-to-1, and 5-to-1 EZ Snap splitters. When using a splitter, the inverter's rated footage is divided across all connected runs. For example, a 30ft-rated inverter with a 3-to-1 splitter can power three 10ft runs. Total current draw must stay within the inverter's capacity.

Do I need to seal EL Tape after cutting it?

Yes. EL Tape's electrode traces run along its edges, and cutting exposes those traces to moisture. Edgeguard EL Tape Sealant is a waterproof adhesive sealant that seals cut edges as close to factory-sealed as possible. Apply it to all cut edges and crimp connection points before any moisture exposure. For outdoor use, also use silicone EL Tape connection covers over crimp connectors.

Which EL accessories are compatible with VynEL panels?

VynEL panels use EZ Snap connectors and are compatible with all EZ Snap splitters, extension cords, and Ripcord silicone extensions. Crimp connectors work for reconnecting VynEL after cutting. Use Silicone EL Tape Connection Covers over VynEL crimp connections for a clean, protected finish. VynEL is not compatible with Micro EL Connector inverters without the Micro-to-EZ Snap adapter.

What is the Ripcord silicone extension used for?

The Ripcord Silicone Extension is a hyper-flexible, thin EL extension cord designed for wearable applications. Unlike standard extension cords, Ripcord is engineered to route through garment seams, costume linings, and tight spaces without creating visible stiffness or bulk. It works with VynEL, EL Tape, EL Panels, and standard EL Wire. Ideal for keeping the inverter (battery pack) in a pocket or hidden compartment while the EL material runs through the garment.

EL Accessories

The Connectors, Splitters &
Tools That Make EL Work.

EL Wire, EL Tape, VynEL™, SewGlo™, and TruEL™ Wire all run through the same connector ecosystem. This is the collection that ties everything together — connectors, splitters, extension cords, sealing products, and the tools you need to make professional EL connections yourself.

Two Connector Standards. Two Different Markets.

Ellumiglow uses two connector systems across the product line — each designed for a specific use case. Understanding which one your products use is the first step to building a system that works together without adapters.

Industry Standard · 20+ Years

EZ Snap Connector

The hobbyist and maker standard

MarketHobbyist · Maker · DIY · Costumes

HistoryIndustry standard for 20+ years

ProfileStandard size — larger footprint

GenderFemale on EL material, male on inverter

Used onEL Wire, EL Tape, EL Panels, most battery packs, most wall inverters

DIY connectionYes — EZ Snap crimp connectors available

Splitter compatibleYes — 2, 3, 4, 5-to-1 splitters available

The EZ Snap has been the connector that the EL industry has standardized around since the early 2000s. If you have existing EL products from any manufacturer, they almost certainly use EZ Snap. The vast majority of EL Wire kits, battery packs, and inverters sold globally ship with EZ Snap connectors.

Wearables & OEM

Micro EL Connector

The next-generation wearable connector

MarketWearables · OEM · Professional

HistoryNew — designed by Ellumiglow

Profile~¼ the size of EZ Snap · Flat form factor

Design goalCompact, flat, concealable in garments

Used onLumoS, LumoX inverters · New wearable products

EZ Snap compatibleAdapter required — see below

Splitter compatibleMicro splitters — contact us

The Micro EL Connector was developed to solve a real problem: EZ Snap connectors are too large and too thick to conceal cleanly in garments, footwear, and professional wearable applications. The Micro connector is compact and flat — you can route it through a seam or hide it in a pocket without creating a visible lump. LumoS and LumoX inverters use Micro connectors by default.

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Have existing EZ Snap products and a Micro-connector inverter? The Micro EL to EZ Snap Adapter bridges the two systems — no soldering required. Pick one up if you're using LumoS or LumoX inverters with older EL Wire, EL Tape, or EL Panels that have EZ Snap connectors on them. Find it in the accessories collection →

What's in this collection

Every Accessory, Organized

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Connectors

EZ Snap · Micro · Adapters · Crimp

EZ Snap Connectors (10-Pack)

Female connectors for EL Wire/Tape, male connectors for inverters. The standard connection method for any EL product using the EZ Snap format.

Industry standard · 20+ years

Micro EL Connector

Compact flat connector for wearables and OEM applications. Approximately ¼ the size of EZ Snap. Used on LumoS and LumoX inverters.

Wearables · LumoS · LumoX

Micro to EZ Snap Adapter

Bridges Micro EL Connector inverters with existing EZ Snap EL products. Required if using LumoS/LumoX with older EL Wire or EL Tape.

No soldering required

Crimp Connectors

For reconnecting cut EL Tape, Parallel EL Panels, and VynEL™. Punch through the panel on each side of the electrode traces — no solder needed.

EL Tape · EL Panels · VynEL™

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Splitters

Power multiple EL runs from one inverter

2-to-1 EL Splitter

Connect 2 strands of EL Wire, Tape, or panels to one inverter or battery pack. Each strand connects the same as a direct connection.

3-to-1 EL Splitter

Power 3 EL runs from a single inverter. Check your inverter's rated footage and divide by the number of runs connected.

4-to-1 EL Splitter

Four EL runs from one inverter. Works with EL Wire, Parallel EL Tape, and EL Panels. Factor the power split when sizing your inverter.

5-to-1 EL Splitter

Five runs from one inverter. Useful for costume builds and multi-section installations where a single power source needs to feed multiple lit zones.

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Extension Cords

Add distance between inverter and EL material

EL Extension Cord

Standard extension between inverter and EL product. EZ Snap both ends. Use when the inverter needs to be positioned away from the lit element.

Ripcord™ Silicone Extension

Hyper-flexible, thin, and inconspicuous. Works with VynEL™, EL Tape, EL Panels, and EL Wire. Designed to route through garments without stiffness or bulk.

VynEL™ · Wearables · Low profile

DC Barrel Connector (2.1mm)

Standard 2.1mm × 5.5mm barrel plug and jack. Connects DC power sources to Mega inverters and other products using barrel-style DC input.

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Sealing & Protection

Waterproofing · End caps · Connection covers

Edgeguard EL Tape Sealant

Waterproof adhesive sealant for cut EL Tape edges and connection points. Seals as close to factory-sealed as possible. Apply after cutting before any moisture exposure.

Required for outdoor / damp environments

Silicone EL Tape Connection Cover

Flexible silicone cover for EL Tape, EL Panels, and VynEL™ connections. Allows soldering of crimp connectors directly to the tape with a clean, protected finish. Cut at angle for narrower panels.

EL Wire End Caps (10-Pack)

Clear end caps for 2.6mm standard EL Wire. Seal the terminus of any cut EL Wire to protect the exposed electrode from moisture and damage.

Standard 2.6mm EL Wire only

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Tools & Power Adapters

Soldering · Power source adapters · USB

USB Soldering Iron

Portable USB-powered soldering iron — the tool used in-house at Ellumiglow for EL connections. Compact, immediately hot, and precise enough for EL Tape and connector work.

PC 4-Pin to EL Adapter

Plugs into a PC's 4-pin Molex power connector and outputs the standard 1.3mm plug used by EL inverters. For PC modding with EL Wire, EL Tape, or VynEL™.

PC modding · 1.3mm output

USB-C Cables

For USB-C powered devices including soldering irons, EL inverters, and LEDs. 1m length. Multiple connector options available in the dropdown.

Quick reference

Connector Compatibility Matrix

What connector does each product use, and what connects to what without an adapter.

Product	Connector type	EZ Snap direct	Micro direct	Splitter compatible
EL Wire (standard)	EZ Snap (female)	✓ Yes	Adapter needed	✓ Yes
EL Tape (Parallel)	EZ Snap (female) pre-soldered	✓ Yes	Adapter needed	✓ Yes
EL Panels	EZ Snap (crimp or solder)	✓ Yes	Adapter needed	✓ Yes
VynEL™ panels	EZ Snap standard	✓ Yes	Adapter needed	✓ Yes
SewGlo™ thread	Bare leads (solder or EZ Snap)	✓ With connector	✓ With connector	✓ Yes
TruEL™ Wire	EZ Snap (standard) or bare	✓ Yes	Adapter needed	✓ Yes
LumoS inverter	Micro EL (output)	Adapter needed	✓ Direct	— Micro only
LumoX inverter	Micro EL (output)	Adapter needed	✓ Direct	— Micro only
Battery packs / wall inverters	EZ Snap (male output)	✓ Direct	Adapter needed	✓ Yes

Not sure what you need?

Tell us what you're connecting.

If you have an existing EL setup and need to expand it, change connectors, or add zones — send us the details and we'll point you to the right parts.

Ask a Question → Shop EL Products →

Building something bigger?

Wiring a full custom install?

Multi-zone runs, DMX control, or a full parts list for a build. Tell us the project and we'll spec the complete connector, splitter, and sequencer layout for you.

Start a Project →