 |
| frequently asked questions |
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| about enlighted, & lighted clothing in general |
| what kinds of batteries do you use, and how long do they last? |
| where do you hide the batteries? |
| how do you wash light-up clothes? |
| can you send me a printed catalog or brochure? |
| are light-up clothes comfortable? |
| are light-up clothes dangerous? |
| can you tell me where to get all the parts, and how to make this myself? |
| what kinds of things do people say to you when you're wearing light-up clothing? |
what kinds of batteries do you use, and how long do they last?
It depends on the garment, the number of lights, and the length of time that the outfit needs to be worn between battery changes or recharging. Most garments are designed to last for at least one full evening of use. In cases where a performer will only need to have the lights on for a short period of time, we can substitute batteries that are smaller than those described below.
Most of our products require DC power in the range of 6 to 12 volts. Our ties with 4-6 LEDs use a pair of small CR2032 coin cell batteries, which last at least 10 hours. Other garments with 5 LEDs, such as halters, light-up shirt buttons, and some hats, use a single 9V battery which will last 30 hours or more. 9V batteries can also power garments with several dozen LEDs, although battery lifetime will be shorter. For 50 or more LEDs, we recommend a 4-pack of AA batteries. For outfits with hundreds of LEDs, C-cells or D-cells may be needed to get a full night of use from a set of batteries.
Similar guidelines apply to EL wire drivers. Short lengths of EL wire (up to 18") can be powered by a small driver with coin cell batteries. Longer lengths of EL wire are typically powered by a single 9V battery, or a pack of AA batteries.
where do you hide the batteries?
Again, it depends on the garment and the type of batteries. We try to select the smallest batteries that will provide a reasonable lifetime.
In a bra, the battery can be held under the arm or within the bra cup. In a jacket, batteries are typically stored in a pocket. In pants, the batteries may be held near each ankle, in a pocket, or in a box with a belt clip.
Most of our designs with permanently installed lights can be hand washed in water (with the batteries removed) with a mild detergent and then dried flat. They can also be spot cleaned, or treated with a fabric-freshening product such as Febreze. We don't recommend machine washing or dry cleaning, because of the risk of high stresses (due to spinning and bulk processing), extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals that may be involved.
If you need a light-up garment that is machine washable, we can also provide lighting designs in which the electronics are fully removable. For example, our light-up shirt buttons, light-up patches, and light-up panels for pant legs are generally made this way.
Sorry, but we don't have a printed catalog - we find that the online version on this site is the best way to show examples of our work. It's easier to add new things as they're made, and video clips are more effective than a printed page for demonstrating animated blinking and fading lights.
are light-up clothes comfortable?
Yes! Our electronics are lightweight, flexible, and concealed within fabric linings, creating the most comfortable lighted garment possible. Seriously - you'd forget about the lights if you didn't have so many people staring at you!
are light-up clothes dangerous?
No! LEDs operate on low voltage circuits, and are extremely safe to the wearer, even if you get them wet (although moisture may interfere with an active circuit - see washing directions above).
EL wire and panels use a high-voltage inverter, and pose some risk if the wire or the inverter is damaged and you touch two live leads to your skin. We'd classify it as more of an "annoying tingling" than a shock, but we make every effort to seal these parts anyway.
As is the case with most consumer electronics, the most dangerous part is the battery. We recommend that you take common-sense precautions, such as not storing keys or coins near exposed battery contacts.
can you tell me where to get all the parts, and how to make this myself?
We're not really in the electrical tutorial business, and the details of our methods (which we have developed over the past 10+ years) are generally too complex to be explained in a quick email or phone call, especially if you have no prior background in sewing and/or electronics. Trust us, it's more difficult than it looks!
We are posting a series of tips on our blog (including suggestions for where to buy parts). Please look there first, and write to us if you a have a question that isn't covered, and we'll add it to the list.
We do offer consulting services for individuals and businesses who wish to develop prototypes and new products that are related to our areas of expertise. Please see our orders page for more information.
what kinds of things do people say to you when you're wearing light-up clothing?
We've heard it all ... many of the best* comments apply to the bras:
"Finally, I can look at someone's breasts and not worry about getting slapped!"
"Are those C cells or D cells?", "Hey baby, can I turn you on?"
"You look quite bright", "You light up my life",
"I've been staring at your chest all night."
*best being a relative term, of course. please let us know if you've heard better, and we'll add it to the collection!
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