What is the Difference Between Split And Parallel EL Tape

As of late, people seem to be getting quite confused about the differences between parallel EL panels and split EL tape. These technologies may look quite similar, but they have a number of key differences that can make things a little bit confusing. We have been getting so many inquiries, I've decided to just create an all-inclusive EL PANEL GUIDE! So here we go!

PARALLEL EL PANELS

Parallel EL panels are flattened electrodes sandwiched together, and use a technology very similar to EL Wire. So similar in fact, that you can interchange parallel inverters and EL wire inverters freely, without losing any glow. They both run the same voltage and frequency, so if you have some old EL wire inverters laying around, feel free to power your parallel panel with it. They are produced using a screen printing process, which is nice because you can add animated effects to the panel, something that you cannot do with Split EL panels. The busbar in parallel panels surrounds the panel, and excites the phosphor causing it to glow. This allows for the animated effects we spoke of earlier, but also means that you cannot cut parallel panels. These panels still work wonderfully for signs though. You can easily create a cheap glowing advertisement using one of our Parallel EL Panels, and vinyl. Cover the panel in vinyl, and cut out the portion that you want to shine through. By creating a vinyl negative, a glowing sign is really quite easy to make. Parallel EL Panels have a lifespan of 5,000-7,000 hours depending on the voltage the panel is run at, the environment the panel is placed in and a couple of other factors. As you use your panel, the phosphor (the element within the panel that glows) degrades with use over time. UV exposure is also a contributing factor to the early demise of many a panel. Long exposure to the elements, including the sun, will shorten the lifespan of your panel significantly. UV inhibitors are available for custom made panels, which can significantly reduce the negative effects of UV exposure. If you are interested in designing your own custom panel, feel free to send us an email at info@ellumiglow.com. Custom animations, multiple colors, and any size or shape you desire can be created by our design team for your business or project.

SPLIT EL TAPE

Split EL Tape has a lower operating frequency than EL wire and Parallel Panels, however it does have a higher voltage. This lower frequency allows split tape to run from 8,000-10,000 hours, while actually glowing brighter than parallel panels. This means that you must use a Split inverter when powering your Split Tape. If you use a parallel inverter with a split panel, you can expect the panel to glow at about 1/4 of the brightness you would expect with a split inverter. While all EL technology is made for indoor use, the thicker plastic sheathing and aluminum conductive backing make Split EL Tape outdoor friendly. For permanent outdoor installations we suggest adding the outdoor grade UV Inhibitor; this will greatly extend the life of your panel, and allows for applications such like billboards, outdoor architectural lighting, etc. Split EL tape is produced using a roll to roll process rather than screen printing. This leaves a small scribe line running through the center of the panel, that can be thought of like the bus bar. Since the scribe line runs through the center of the panel rather than surrounding it, Split EL tape and panels can be cut into any shapes desired with a regular pair of scissors, so long as you do not cut through the scribe line. If you do, everything after that cut will cease to glow, unless another connection to the power source is made. If you decide to cut your tape, be sure to seal the edges with clear scotch tape, glue, or anything else that would keep the elements out without inhibiting the glow. Split EL Panels can be used for most applications, so long as the scribe line running through the center of the panel is not cut or crossed.

EL Panels and tape offer a uniform glow across the surface, a long lifespan, and is the world’s least expensive lighting source per square foot.

VynEL™ 

VynEL™ is our new Electroluminescent based product as of 2017 and is integrating into the wearable industry one light at a time. VynEL™ is similar to EL Panels and EL Tape, but it's much more flexible, and able to be integrated into countless more applications. From sporting goods to activewear, VynEL™ allows you to ADD.LIGHT.ANYWHERE. VynEL™ is able to be made into custom shapes, and we have designers on staff to help you through the process. Whether needing a small run for sampling, or large production volumes, Ellumiglow can help manage the entire process from concept to production. VynEL™ is most similar to Parallel EL Panels and can work off the same inverters, but the make-up and composition of the panels is drastically different. What you get instead is a far more flexible, brighter, more customizable and easier to integrate lighting element suitable for athletic wear, sporting goods, costuming, outdoor gear, safety, footwear, and much, much more.