GENERAL F.A.Qs

What is LyTec®?

    LyTec® is a light source based on the technology of electroluminescence. It is a linear light source in the world available in the form

    of a fiber. LyTec® comes in many colors, small diameters and continuous lengths varying from inches to thousands of feet. When the

    appropriate electric power is applied to LyTec®, the flexible fiber glows similarly to neon light. Amazingly, one thousand yards of LyTec®

    consumes the energy of just one ordinary light bulb!

Does LyTec® require power to work?

    Yes. LyTec® fiber is long-lasting, unlike tubes or pipes that use chemical mixes to provide light for only a few hours. LyTec® can last for

    many months. It requires only a power supply (outlet or battery) in order to function.

Is LyTec® known as any other name?

    Due to the enthusiasm generated by our customers, various names have been applied to the LyTec® , such as, LIVE FIBER™, COOL

    FIBER™, EL FIBER™, NEON TRIM™, POWER NEON™, SOFT NEON™, SPAGHETTI LITE™, COOLIGHT™, COOL NEON™ and others. There is

    only one patented, authorized manufacturer of LyTec® under any of those names. Feel free to contact us to ensure you are getting

    authentic LyTec® fiber.

Why is LyTec® better than LED and fiber optics (emitting light from the sides)?

    LyTec® provides the following advantages over neon, LED and fiber optics:

    Flexibility, Homogeneous light along the entire length, Low power consumption, Lower cost, Easy installation, Cool to the touch, Wide

    range of colors, Continuous length availability (from centimeters up to thousands of meters), Support of battery power or regular electrical

    outlets, Suitable for ornaments and jewelry, Enables braiding or looping

What is the lifetime of LyTec®?

    The useful lifetime is up to thousands of hours, depending on the frequency and voltage inputs. Higher frequency and voltage create

    greater is the initial brightness, but greater wear on the fiber, shortening its lifetime. The useful lifetime of LyTec® is the amount of time it

    takes for the fiber's brightness to diminish to 30% of its initial brightness. The LyTec® fiber dims very gradually with use, and continues to

    emit a dimmed light for a long time after its useful lifetime.

POWER AND ELECTRICAL F.A.Qs

What are the voltage levels are needed to operate LyTec®?

    Typically, voltage levels are 48-220VAC RMS, depending on the type of fiber. However, the current drop is minimal, meaning it is

    possible to use either DC batteries via an inverter or direct connection (with proper precautions) to an electrical outlet.

What is the maximum current that can flow through LyTec®?

    LyTec® supports a maximum current of 100mA.

What is the typical current drop-through LyTec®?

    The typical current drop is in the magnitude of 1 mA/foot, depending on the combination of input voltage and frequency.

How do changes in electrical input affect the brightness?

    Brightness is affected by both voltage and frequency. The higher the voltage or frequency, the brighter LyTec® will be. LyTec®

    operates in a range of internal voltage of 48-220VAC (RMS), depending on the needs of the application. LyTec® operates at virtually

    any frequency. The most common frequencies are in the 50-2000Hz range.

Can LyTec®'s brightness be increased?

    Yes. Brightness can be adjusted according to the application. Higher voltage and frequency lead to brighter LyTec® effects. Choosing a    

    higher output inverter will create a brighter application.

What is an inverter and what is it used for?

    An inverter is a small electric device operated by DC voltage. The inverter's function is to convert the low DC voltage into higher AC voltage

    necessary for LyTec®'s operation.

Why are there different types of inverters?

    For optimum efficiency, the power inverter needs to be corresponded with the resistance and capacitance characteristics of the LyTec®

    fiber, both of which are determined by the fiber length. Each inverter is designed to drive different LyTec® length ranges. Check with our

    distributors, sales rep for recommendations.

  

What types of inverters are available?

    LyTec® fibers ranging from several inches to approximately a foot uses inverters operating on coin-cell batteries. Fibers ranging from

    several meters to hundreds of feet operate on a range of higher power inverters. Check with our distributors, sales rep for

    recommendations.

Can LyTec customize the inverters?

    Absolutely. LyTec has a team of expertise to help customers with projects or product applications.

SIZE & APPEARANCE F.A.Qs

 

How is LyTec® packaged?

    LyTec® is available in spools of 100m and 250m lengths. Custom cut length are also available upon request.

What colors is available of LyTec® fibers?

    LyTec® is available in the following colors.

        Aqua, White, Yellow, Green, Red, Blue, Pink, Purple, Lime, Orange.

    ** Some colors are not available in all diameters.

What size is available of LyTec® fiber?

    LyTec® comes in the following diameters:

        1.5mm (0.06in)

        2.5mm (0.10in)

        3.2mm (0.13in) 

        5.0mm (0.20in)

        Custom shapes are also available upon request.

APPLICATIONS F.A.Qs

What applications have used LyTec® successfully?

    LyTec® has been used with outstanding success in:

        * Custom-made decorations and stage sets

        * Temporary decorations for exhibitions

        * Point-of-sale decoration

        * Event decorations

        * Easy installation

        * Automobile interiors

        * Safety garments

        * Accessories

        * Support of battery power or regular electrical outlets

        * Night guides and signage

Is LyTec® suitable for portable applications?

    Yes, for portable applications, LyTec® offers a variety of battery-operated inverters.

Can LyTec® used outdoors?

    Yes, several LyTec® products are designed specifically for outdoor use, specifically, the 3.2 mm and 5.0 mm series.

Can LyTec® work under water?

    Yes, LyTec® operates when it is immersed in water for a limited time. The electrical power supply and inverter must be outside of the    

    water.

Can  LyTec® be used for clothing and fashion applications?

    Definitely. LyTec® is the perfect lighting product for fantastic and safe lighting effects in textiles, fabrics, and accessories: LyTec® provides

    a flexible, cold, low-power, and easy to attach product for use with fashion applications.

How can LyTec® be affixed to a flat surface without damaging the surface?

    A plastic U or Omega type holder can be attached by two-sided adhesive tape. LyTec® can easily be threaded through such holders.

DURABILITY & SAFETY F.A.Qs

To what degree can LyTec® be bent, twisted and stretched?

    LyTec® is very flexible and can be bent, twisted, and stretched. However, over-bending, for example, tying the fiber in a tight knot, may

    harm the fiber internal structure. Over-bent fiber will continue to work, but some areas of the fiber may not emanate light.

    Specifically, the bending diameter must be at least 5 times greater than the fiber diameter. For example, 0.09" diameter fibers can be

    bent to a minimum bending diameter of 0.45". A 2.5mm diameter fibers can be bent to a minimum bending diameter of 12.5mm.

    The maximum twisting angle is 30 degrees per yard of fiber. Stretching of LyTec® is allowed when using a power of up to 1 Kg.

If you touch the core, will LyTec® cause electrocution?

    Touching the LyTec® core does not cause the electrocution. Touching the core alone will have no effect whatsoever. Touching the core

    and the spiral fibers together while LyTec® is connected to power or a battery, a slight shock or hitch may be felt, caused by the low        

    power short circuit.

Is LyTec® safe in case of fire?

    Yes. Tests of our LyTec® fibers in extreme temperatures - up to 850°C - proved that the fibers are self extinguishing. A flame at this

    temperature will not spread along the length of the fiber to become a source of fire.

What tension can LyTec® hold?

    Up to 2 Kg (4.4 pounds)