Electronic ComponentsElectronic Components

In 2010, the Gen-I Creative Excellence section is themed: The Art of Light. For this theme designers are asked to create a work of wearable art that enhances or alters its appearance when it self illuminates. Designers wishing to create a garment for this or any other sections (excluding the CentrePort Illumination Illusion® section) should be aware of the safety, construction and maintenance requirements before beginning their design process.

Designers entering this section should include spare batteries (preferably rechargeable and include the recharger), spare electrical wire, spare lights. Please remember garments are highly choreographed to bring your garment/s to life so ensure the wiring will withstand a great deal of movement. In your design process, consider the following:

  • ease of replacing batteries
  • minimizing the number of batteries required
  • colour coded wiring for ease of fault identification
  • wiring is easily accessible for repair
  • ease of turning electrical components on and off
  • recycled components are rust free and in good working condition
  • electrical components are compatible with New Zealand standards

Additional points to note:

  • WOW® prefers the use of AA and D batteries as we will have some facilities for recharging them. All other batteries will require specific rechargers to be provided
  • A maximum of 24 volts is required for the safety of our models
  • Lead acid batteries may be used but they must be sealed and you must supply a charger. These batteries are larger and heavier so must be built safely into the garment and not come in direct contact with the body
  • Absolutely NO CAR BATTERIES are allowed as these are unsealed
  • Lithium iron batteries provide more power but designers must supply their own charger
  • Garments containing hearing aid batteries must include replacement batteries to cover at least 5 hours worth of use as they are not rechargeable
  • Other products that are good to use:
    • Automotive lights
    • L wire
    • LED strip light
    • LED sewn in to the garment
    • Rope light
    • Torches
    • Holographic paper
    • Light boxes
    • Opaque & translucent plastics and fabrics
    • Foils

All electronic components must be battery powered as we cannot plug garments into mains power whilst on stage

For 2010, we have an expert, Peter Vosper of Vospertron, on hand to provide advice to designers regarding safety and construction issues. Please click here to contact him.