EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTROLUMINESCENCE

Understanding Electroluminescent (EL) Technology

Maybe a friend told you about EL Wire, or you discovered EL Tape on the dashboard of your car, but have no idea what it is, what you can do with it, and really what the heck it is. Well, if that sounds like you, keep reading and we’ll take the guesswork out of EL.

Electroluminescence is a technology that was discovered about 100 years ago, but really only came into the mainstream in the early 2000s. In the mid-1950s, the US military started using EL in aircraft, submarines, and other vehicles as a way to see their gauges in darkness. The low light output of the product made it perfect for visibility in dark environments without disrupting night vision.

What is Electroluminescence?

Electroluminescence is a light created by a specialized phosphor that emits a glow when a certain voltage and frequency are applied. This glow is often referred to as Electroluminescent Lighting. Today, there are many types of Electroluminescent lighting that come in various forms, including EL Wire, EL Tape, EL Panels, EL Paint, VynEL, and more.

How EL Works

EL phosphors create a glow when a high voltage and frequency are applied. These phosphors are very receptive to voltage and frequency and interact dynamically. Generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the brighter the EL material will glow. Similarly, increasing the frequency will also enhance the brightness. Special inverters are designed to allow different EL materials to glow at optimal levels, which we will explore later.

EL phosphor brightness is measured in candela per meter (cd/m) for linear objects like EL Wire or candela per meter squared (cd/m²) for flat objects like EL Tape. This brightness designation is typically used for surface illumination from flat materials rather than being measured in lumens, which is a common metric for LEDs since they are designed to project light rather than provide even surface illumination. A common application of brightness measured in cd/m² is in TV backlighting.

Lifespan of EL Technology

Lifespan is a tricky thing to measure with EL technology since several factors affect the overall longevity of the product. Typically measured by the phosphor’s half-life (the time it takes for the phosphor to lose 50% of its brightness), most EL phosphors on the market today have a lifespan of about 4,000-6,000 hours. However, depending on the application, EL phosphor usually doesn’t simply stop working; instead, it has a exponential decay curve and gradually degrades over time and can still be used long after this estimated lifespan. We've had plenty of EL applications that have lasted 10k, 20k and even over 40k hours. 

Understanding how EL technology works can help you choose the right type of Electroluminescent lighting for your project. Whether you’re creating an illuminated sign, backlighting a display, or adding a creative glow to your space, EL materials offer a unique and energy-efficient lighting solution.