EL Wire from China...

[warrior]

I recently bought some 5mm el wire from China. In the past I have ordered from reputable merchants in the US.

The 5mm pink I bought glows blue with a halo of pink... I'm a little disappointed.

My question is: Was I sold subpar el wire or is this how all 5mm pink looks?

The picture below is 2.6mm pink from the US merchant (left) vs. 5mm pink from my Chinese seller.

[Melonblue]

I think it has to do with merchants who use a blue/green phosphorescence core and coloured pvc sheaths .vs those who use compatible colour cores + sheathing.

I think it's just the old "you get what you pay for"

I paid 3$ for 5meters of pink 2.6mm from the Bay of the E with free shipping from China, my pink has the same blue-core/pink halo problem.

[maladroit]

The problem is that EL material really only has a range of output colors from blue to green. In order to get other colors, they have to layer on another type of phosphor that will absorb the blue light and re-emit a pink light. There's not really a perfect way to do that, and it necessarily cuts down the brightness a lot. That's why blue and green EL wire is always brighter and purer than other colors.

[warrior]

Thanks a lot for the replies. I thought it might be a problem with the sheathing. The intensity of the color has to do with fluorescent dyes in the sheathing? (i've been attempting research) I guess the quality of the sheathing on this 5mm is poorer then the 2.6mm...

I have other uses for it, so it won't be wasted.

I thought I had found a great supplier. Very responsive and super fast shipping. 3 days from Hong Kong... I was hoping maybe their thinner stock might be better. I don't think I'll risk it. I'll be going back to a sure bet for more purchases.

Cool Neon ftw.

[armychick25]

First time going to burning man!!! I need the best place to buy el wire for the playa!! any suggestions on where to buy it!!! please need help!!!

[bigbluedoggy]

I've purchased a great deal of EL wire over the years and have mostly used one company: Funhouse Productions. Bay area based and burner run last I checked. Their shit just works and they will back it up with quick service and shipping and calls if needed. Buying things on Alibaba or the like has always been a crap shoot. Good luck!

[armychick25]

I just got my stuff from www.thatscoolwire.com. They guys there really help me out and I was able to go to there place so they can help me. Also they offer a discount for burners!!!!

Im really excited!!! BURNING MAN 2015!!!

[danibel]

Coolneon.com is my source for quality EL wire and supplies. In the summer they hold soldering parties! Of course you can get yours all finished up, but for the DIYer's it's not hard to do.

They are long time burners, based in Oakland.