ElectroluminescentΒ wireΒ (often abbreviated toΒ EL wire) is a thinΒ copper wireΒ coated in aΒ phosphorΒ which glows when anΒ alternating currentΒ is applied to it. It can be used in a wide variety of applicationsβvehicle and/or structure decoration, safety and emergency lighting, toys, clothing etc.βmuch as rope light orΒ Christmas lightsΒ are often used. Unlike these types of strand lights, EL wire is not a series of points, but produces a 360 degree unbroken line of visible light. Its thin diameter makes it flexible and ideal for use in a variety of applications such as clothing or costumes.