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How to Solder an Electroluminescent Panel

Electroluminescent panels can be cut and shaped as necessary and then connected to a source of AC or DC electrical power so they produce light. These panels are often affixed to walls and even staircases of clubs, restaurants and stores, and they can also be made to order with an artistic pattern, a logo or an advertising message. Panels have terminals to which you can connect electrical power leads or a power cord. Soldering the leads to the terminals ensures the most reliable connection, and so long as you follow proper technique, it does not damage the panel.

Things You'll Need

Insulated lead wires rated for the voltage you plan to use
Wire strippers
Low-wattage soldering iron
Electronic (rosin-core) solder
Soldering iron stand

Instructions

- 1
  Cut and shape the panel as you wish, leaving at least two terminal tabs on the back of the panel. One terminal tab should have a white frame around the front and the other a white frame around the back, or each one should be of a different color or otherwise marked as being for opposite polarities.
- 2
  Plug your soldering iron into a wall outlet and place it in a stand while it heats up for a few moments.
- 3
  Strip 1/2 inch or so of insulation off each lead or each wire of your power cord and twist the wire strands of each wire together if necessary.
- 4
  Turn the panel upside down so the terminals face upward. Place the exposed end of the wire that you will connect to the positive terminal of your electrical source on the positive terminal of the panel. Bend the insulated part of the wire under the panel to keep it in place.
- 5
  Unroll about 3 inches of solder from your roll of solder and hold it as close as possible to the wire and terminal without touching it. Touch the tip of the soldering iron to the end of the solder and let the solder drip down onto the wire and the terminal until a pool of solder covers the wire and surrounds it on the terminal.
- 6
  Allow the solder to harden for a minute or so and repeat the process for the negative lead.
- 7
  Straighten the wires under the panel and connect the leads to a power source.

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