how do i dim e.l. sheet?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=113781
Printed Date: June 22, 2025 at 12:14 PM

Topic: how do i dim e.l. sheet?

Posted By: 3002steve
Subject: how do i dim e.l. sheet?
Date Posted: May 13, 2009 at 5:39 AM

okay ive purchased a e.l panel to replace my a/c controls

its too bright and hums loudly , but if i dim the dash lights its acceptable , but then the dash is too dim

what do i need to be able to dim the e.l on its own , pref keeping it ajustable

thanks

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: May 13, 2009 at 6:17 AM

A resistor or an adjustable voltage regulator. What kind of current does the panel require? What is the voltage on the panel feed when the light is at an acceptable level? When at full brightness, what is the voltage then?

Posted By: 3002steve
Date Posted: May 13, 2009 at 7:29 AM

i can check the voltages at dim/full

not sure what a e.l panel pulls amps wise , the seller cant help either

i imagine its low amps ?

Posted By: bigjohnny
Date Posted: May 24, 2009 at 6:03 PM

el wire runs on AC, at about 120V believe it or not. dimming iirc is controlled by the current or voltage feeding the transformer (cant remember which, sorry)

dropping the voltage to the transformer should give you the desired result. So I think adding a resistor would dim it down, this would let you run it closer the instrument brightness, and dim it with the instruments without having to add a separate control.

the EL panels should work the same as the wire, so just look around for dimming of EL wire.