TruEL™ Wire · How-To
TruEL™ Wire
Connection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for connecting TruEL™ Wire to an inverter, with video walkthrough. TruEL uses a dual-core architecture that is more reliable than standard EL Wire, but the connection process is different. Follow this guide the first time.
Watch the Connection
TruEL™ Wire Connection Guide — Ellumiglow
Wire Anatomy
TruEL uses a dual-core construction. This is fundamentally different from standard EL Wire, which uses a central phosphor-coated core surrounded by fine corona wires. There are no angel hair wires in TruEL.
Core 1
Primary Conductor
Runs the full length of the wire. Carries the main AC signal from the inverter. Connects to the center terminal of the TruEL connector.
Core 2
Return Conductor
The second reinforced core, wound around the first. Completes the circuit back to the inverter. Connects to the outer terminal of the TruEL connector.
Outer Jacket
PVC Sheath
UV-stabilized outer protection. Must be stripped back carefully to expose both cores. Do not nick the core conductors during stripping.
Before You Start
Connector Note
TruEL Wire uses its own locking dual-core connector system. Standard EZ Snap connectors from regular EL Wire will not work. Ensure you have TruEL-specific connectors before starting.
- TruEL™ Wire in your desired length and color
- TruEL-compatible inverter, rated for your total wire footage
- TruEL locking connectors (included with wire or sold separately)
- Wire strippers, small gauge (0.5mm to 1mm setting)
- Small flathead screwdriver or connector tool for terminal locking
Step-by-Step
1
Strip the outer jacket
Remove approximately 15mm of the outer PVC jacket from the end of the TruEL wire. Work slowly. You are exposing two core conductors inside. Do not cut into either core.
2
Separate the two cores
You will see the primary conductor (center) and the return conductor (wound around the outside). Gently separate them so you have two distinct leads. The outer wound core will need to be unraveled slightly.
3
Strip each core conductor
Strip approximately 5mm of insulation from the tip of each core. The cores are more robust than standard EL corona wires but still handle them carefully.
4
Insert into TruEL locking connector
The TruEL connector has two terminals. Insert the primary core into the center terminal and the return core into the outer terminal. Polarity does not matter for AC circuits, but keep wiring consistent across multiple runs.
5
Lock the connector
Use a small flathead screwdriver or the included connector tool to lock each terminal down over the stripped core. Tug lightly on the wire to confirm the connection is secure before powering on.
6
Connect to the inverter and power on
Plug the connector into the output port of your TruEL-compatible inverter. Power on the inverter. The wire should glow immediately. If it does not, see the troubleshooting guide.
Tips for Clean Connections
Safety
Do not pull on the wire to test a live connection. Always power off the inverter before adjusting any connections.
Keep stripped core leads as short as practical. 5mm of stripped core is enough for a solid terminal grip. Longer exposed leads can flex and fail over time in wearable or high-movement applications.
If running multiple TruEL Wire segments from one inverter, connect each segment in parallel from the inverter output. Series chaining creates voltage drop and uneven brightness across segments.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
