Linear Accent Lighting – What To Choose?

When choosing EL Wire or Laser Wire for your next linear accent lighting application it is important to consider the way in which you want to power it. There are similarities and differences in operation and usage for both technologies. Both are low powered, illuminate evenly in 360° around them, and are thin and flexible lighting. But read on for differences between the two which will help guide you to your answer.

EL Wire is powered by a high frequency voltage. Without a high frequency being sent through the wire, the phosphor isn’t able to illuminate. This means that the wire itself has a current running through it while it is transmitting light. Along with the frequency that is sent through the wire, you will most likely hear an audible high pitch noise. This is inherent to electroluminescent technology and happens with all electroluminescent inverters. The pitch of the sound that is emitted from the inverters or battery packs does however vary. Mostly this depends on the load of wire that is being powered. To minimize this, there are specific recommended lengths of wire to be used with different inverters. You can pair a battery pack up with an inverter which will allow it to hook up directly to a soldered EL Wire end connection. For powering longer lengths of electroluminescent wire you will need an inverter that has the capability to power longer lengths. This can result in a larger or bulkier inverter and corresponding AC Adapter to be used to power it.

With an OpalDrive Laser Wire™ System by Future Illuminations, each kit comes with a Micro USB Charging cable for the laser module itself. You can plug the Laser Module directly into a micro USB cable hook it straight up to standard USB wall outlet power. Red lasers draw the least power during operation which allows them to last 24 hours on a single charge. Green and Blue Laser Wire™ Kits last from 8 to 12 hours on a single charge. This makes a Laser powered light solution ideal for compact and SOUND-FREE operation. OpalDrive Laser Modules also are able to be plugged in for applications that are more permanent, such as retail installations or use in the event and entertainment industries.  For these types of installation, it allows