Overview of E.L.S.T.
E.L.S.T. stands for Electroluminescent Super Thin. This proprietary lighting system from Superior Aircraft Components provides smooth, even illumination across an aircraft panel while maintaining an extremely thin profile. It produces a controlled glow designed to make panel markings visible without creating distracting or excessive cockpit lighting.
Important: E.L.S.T. panels contain conductive layers and operate using high-voltage AC power supplied by an inverter. Installation must be completed by appropriately qualified personnel in accordance with the project-specific wiring information, applicable aircraft maintenance instructions, approved data, and regulatory requirements.
Physical Modification Restrictions
Can I drill, cut, or modify a completed E.L.S.T. panel?
No. A completed E.L.S.T. panel cannot be drilled, cut, trimmed, or otherwise modified.
The panel contains conductive material throughout its construction. Drilling or cutting may damage conductive layers, create an electrical short, disable illumination, or make the panel unsafe to operate. All equipment openings, mounting holes, and outside-profile adjustments must be finalized before the E.L.S.T. panel is manufactured.
If a change is required after production, stop and contact Superior Aircraft Components. Do not attempt to modify the panel.
Power and Inverter Requirements
Can I connect the panel directly to aircraft power?
No. The E.L.S.T. panel must not be connected directly to the aircraft’s DC electrical system.
The aircraft supplies DC power, while the E.L.S.T. panel operates on AC power. A compatible inverter is required to convert the aircraft’s DC power into the power required by the panel.
Required inverter output
- 120 VAC
- 400 Hz
Use only the inverter and wiring configuration specified for your E.L.S.T. system. Connecting the panel directly to DC power or using an incompatible inverter may damage the panel.
Brightness and Dimming
What dimmer should I use?
Superior Aircraft Components does not recommend using a dimmer with the E.L.S.T. system.
The illumination level is set during production to provide the proper brightness and should not require adjustment. Adding a dimmer may affect electrical characteristics, reduce service life, or damage the E.L.S.T. panel or inverter. Do not install a dimmer, resistor, or other brightness-control device unless specifically authorized by Superior Aircraft Components.
What if the panel appears too bright?
The illumination level is set to provide balanced cockpit lighting. E.L.S.T. is light to be seen—not light to see with. It is intended to create a subtle glow that makes panel markings visible, not to illuminate the cockpit or serve as a floodlight.
- The E.L.S.T. illumination should not appear brighter than the illuminated buttons or controls on other installed avionics.
- If the panel appears excessively bright, do not install a dimmer or modify the electrical system. Contact Superior Aircraft Components so the panel and inverter configuration can be reviewed.
Circuit protection requirements
Yes. The E.L.S.T. circuit should have appropriate circuit protection.
- Use a 0.5-amp circuit breaker or an approved 0.5-amp combination breaker-switch (such as a W31-style breaker-switch), as specified for the installation.
- A complete E.L.S.T. panel spanning the full aircraft panel will draw less than 0.5 amps.
- Follow the project-specific wiring information and applicable approved data when selecting and installing circuit protection.
Important operating requirements
- Do not drill, cut, trim, or modify a completed E.L.S.T. panel.
- Do not connect the panel directly to aircraft DC power.
- Use the specified inverter supplying 120 VAC at 400 Hz.
- Do not install a dimmer unless specifically authorized.
- Protect the circuit with the specified 0.5-amp breaker or breaker-switch.
- Do not alter the inverter or wiring configuration without authorization.
- Contact Superior Aircraft Components before making any electrical or physical changes to the system.
