TruEL™ Wire · Power & Inverters
Choosing the
Correct Inverter
TruEL™ Wire draws approximately 2x the power of standard EL Wire per foot. Using the wrong inverter is the most common mistake in TruEL installations. This guide explains what to look for, how to calculate your needs, and which inverters are compatible.
Standard EL Wire Inverters Will Not Work Properly
Critical — Read Before Purchasing
TruEL™ Wire consumes roughly 2x the power per foot of standard EL Wire. A standard EL inverter may appear to work at first but will run near its limit, causing dimming, overheating, or early failure.
HP and Commercial-grade EL inverters are also not compatible with TruEL Wire. Use only inverters listed as TruEL-compatible from Ellumiglow.
Why TruEL™ Wire Needs More Power
The dual-core construction of TruEL Wire changes the electrical profile. Standard EL Wire uses a single phosphor-coated core with fine corona wires; the capacitance across that gap is relatively low. TruEL’s dual core creates a different capacitive load that requires more current from the inverter. A TruEL-compatible inverter needs to output more wattage for the same footage, and its components are rated for that load. A standard EL inverter is not.
How to Calculate Your Inverter Needs
Power Calculation Formula
Total Wattage = Total Footage × 0.18W/ft (standard)
Total Wattage = Total Footage × 0.22W/ft (overdrive)
Total Wattage = Total Footage × 0.22W/ft (overdrive)
Example 1: 15 feet at standard brightness — 15 × 0.18W = 2.7W → Select an inverter rated for at least 3–4W.
Example 2: 30 feet in overdrive mode — 30 × 0.22W = 6.6W → Select an inverter rated for at least 7–8W.
Rule of thumb: Always add 20–25% headroom above your calculated wattage.
Example 2: 30 feet in overdrive mode — 30 × 0.22W = 6.6W → Select an inverter rated for at least 7–8W.
Rule of thumb: Always add 20–25% headroom above your calculated wattage.
Quick Reference: Footage to Inverter Wattage
| Wire Length | Min. Inverter Output (Standard) | Min. Inverter Output (Overdrive) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 ft | 1.5W | 2W |
| 6–10 ft | 2W | 3W |
| 11–20 ft | 4W | 5W |
| 21–30 ft | 6W | 8W |
| 31–50 ft | 10W | 12W |
| 51–75 ft | 15W | 18W |
| 76–100 ft | 20W | 24W |
Values are estimates. Actual draw varies by color and operating temperature. When in doubt, size up.
What to Look For in a TruEL-Compatible Inverter
Shop at Ellumiglow
TruEL-compatible inverters are clearly labeled in the Ellumiglow store. If sourcing elsewhere, verify these parameters before buying.
| Parameter | What to Check |
|---|---|
| TruEL Compatibility | Must be explicitly rated for TruEL Wire |
| Output Wattage | Must exceed your calculated footage requirement with 20% headroom |
| Output Frequency | 800–3000 Hz range; higher = brighter |
| Output Voltage | 80–120V AC output |
| Input Voltage | Match to your power source: 3V, 5V, 9V, or 12V DC |
| Overdrive Mode | Only needed if you require overdrive brightness. Not all TruEL inverters include this. |
Compatible vs Incompatible Inverters
Do Not Use
Standard EL Wire Inverters
Undersized for TruEL’s current draw. Will dim, overheat, or fail under load.
Do Not Use
HP / Commercial EL Inverters
Output characteristics are not matched to TruEL’s dual-core load profile.
Compatible
TruEL-Rated Inverters
Inverters designed and rated for TruEL Wire. Available from Ellumiglow. Look for TruEL labeling on the product listing.
Compatible
TruEL Kits (Wire + Inverter)
The simplest option. TruEL kits include a pre-matched inverter. No sizing math needed when you buy the kit as packaged.
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