connecting multiple strands EL wire to one inverter

[synaptic_slush]

I experimented a bit with soldering together a little el wire last year, really simple stuff since it was my first burning man. This year I have more ambitious plans, but I dont know anything about electricity so my question is this: Do I have to use a y connector to attach multiple strands of el wire to a single inverter, or can I just solder the wires directly to the inverter (as in, one half of a speaker wire is soldered to the larger center wires of all the el wire strands and one half of the speaker wire is soldered to the copper tape/ finer wires of all the el wire strands)

I'm already aware of all the inverter total wire length restrictions and will playa-proof all connections but was just curious as to whether this works at all, having a huge soldered mass connecting up to 10 strands of el wire and bypassing all those plug-n-play connectors. Thanks!

[safetythird]

It will work if you just solder them directly.

I would solder on Y connectors to aid in assembly/disassembly/troubleshooting.

S3

[robotland]

I've found it A LOT more convenient to have individual leads on each strand...Troubleshooting a broken connection in those micro-freakin'-scopic top-layer wires is a regal pain. Once I've installed EL in something AND TESTED IT I usually hit the stress points and connections with a dab of GOOP to reinforce them. It peels off later, if/when you change your mind.

[swampdog]

this might be obvious, but you don't need to buy Y connectors from your EL wire vendor - just attach a length of speaker wire to each EL wire strand, then join up the other ends of the speaker wire and connect them up to your inverter leads. I'm actually thinking of using wire nuts for the connections where I join several speaker wire leads from separate EL wire strands to the inverter leads.

[robotland]

I'll vouch for the wirenuts idea....Especially if you're connecting things to sequencers and are constantly swapping 'em out. Rodeo Snack also sells little connectors with a plastic block and screwed terminals to facilitate experimentation. I don't solder my connections anymore, but twist them and cover with heatshrink tubing so they can be yanked apart with a little gumption.

[safetythird]

Just a word of caution on the wire nut approach; it's not exactly moisture proof.

I now make hot glue cocoons for my permanent connections. Solder, heat shrink, wrap with electrical tape then completely seal with hot glue. I suppose goop might be a better choice for hot climates but the principal should work with wire nuts.

I personally like connectors for frequently disconnected stuff. Takes me no time at all to make changes and I'm sure I'll have it wired correctly and securely every time. Especially handy for attaching el to clothing where you might want to change the design often.

Just another way of doing it. YMMV


S3

[robotland]

Good idea, and GOOP works too. In fact, you can embed LEDs or EL wire in the GOOP/hot glue too. Gives a peripheral glow effect! Sometimes I use the blister packaging from old GOOP tubes or toys as protective bubbles for light circuits- An unusually-shaped blister can add its own artistic element.