From: Lumen Photofox
Subject: FL: Fiber Optic/EL Resources

Several 'List members have asked for more information on electroluminescent technology and fiber optic resources. My current list of stuff follows, but first, something extremely important:

A SAFETY WARNING AND DISCLAIMER:
Several members have mentioned safety/health issues with optical fibers. It also bears mentioning safety about ANY use of electricity in a Fursuit.

First: NEVER, EVER USE GLASS FIBERS! USE ONLY *PLASTIC* OPTICAL FIBERS IF YOU WANT TO ATTEMPT/EXPERIMENT WITH ANY OF THIS!

Moonshadow is right!
Ordinary GLASS optic fibers are TOO DANGEROUS TO USE! They break very easily and WILL get under you skin! Image if you have them stuck in your fingertips and then rub your eyes! We're talking a quick trip to the emergency room! : ( USE PLASTIC FIBERS ONLY! They're softer, cheaper, and don't break or splinter.

Secondly: BE CAREFUL WITH ELECTRICITY, ESPECIALLY HIGH VOLTAGES! Electroluminescent lamps work on high voltage, high frequency alternating current, make sure ALL parts and connections are properly insulated. (Every manufacturer is different, but I've seen power spec ranging from about 100 to 260 volts, frequency from 60 to 1000hz, but all current ratings were in the low milliamp per square/cm range). I've zapped myself a couple of times from the little EL power units I have at home and they have an unpleasant sting, but not much else. Still, ALWAYS be careful and design your projects for maximum safety, for your sake and for your audience's.

Strobes are a different story.
A shock from a strobe can knock you to the floor or KILL YOU OUTRIGHT! I'm NOT kidding. I've accidentally touched a home-built uninsulated strobe unit and got a hellova shock, even though it was only battery-powered! Also remember strobe CAPACITORS HOLD A POWERFUL CHANGE EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF! When servicing/handling them exercise EXTREME caution! Enclose ALL electronics in appropriate dielectric containers and insulate all connections thoroughly. USE COMMON SENSE - IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING, FIND OUT HOW OR DON'T DO IT! ! !

- -High intensity incandescent bulbs can get hot enough to blister skin IN SECONDS. Enclose the bulbs so no one, 'suiter or spectator, can come in contact with them. Better still, use low voltage, cool LEDS instead.

- -ALWAYS have a main safety FUSE in your 'suit circuitry. Even a NiCad power-pak can dump enough power to burn you BAD if it gets short-circuited. Batteries can leak or burst too, if shorted.

- -Take appropriated safety measures when working with ANYTHING TOXIC. (Its been said before - I'm sayin it again)

DISCLAIMER: All information supplied in ANY of my posts or Emails is supplied “AS IS”. It WILL obviously contain errors as this is an experiment; I'm learning this as I go along. It also means YOU USE THIS INFORMATION ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. I bear no responsibility or liability WHATSOEVER for any loss, injury, damage or liability you may suffer using any part of it.

Sorry, I don't mean to sound “gruff” but I have to be perfectly clear on any potential hazards.