Overview and Safety Warning
If your E.L.S.T. (Electroluminescent Super Thin) panel does not illuminate after installation, follow the steps below to identify the cause. Safety Warning: This troubleshooting process involves aircraft electrical systems and 120 VAC power. Testing should only be performed by a qualified avionics technician. Disconnect all power before performing continuity tests. Never connect 60 Hz test power while the panel is connected to the aircraft or inverter.
1. Inspect the Panel for Possible Damage
An E.L.S.T. panel may fail to illuminate if a short has been created in its conductive circuitry. This can occur if:
- The panel was drilled, cut, trimmed, or otherwise modified.
- Mounting screws or other fasteners were overtightened.
- Installed equipment pinched or compressed the panel.
- Conductive material was damaged during installation.
Because the complete E.L.S.T. panel contains conductive material, even minor physical damage may create a short.
2. Check for Electrical Shorts
With all power disconnected, use a multimeter to perform continuity checks:
- Check for an unintended short across the panel circuitry.
- Check each E.L.S.T. wire lead individually against aircraft ground.
- Inspect the wire leads and connection points for pinching, damaged insulation, or contact with grounded components.
If a short is detected, disconnect the panel and contact Superior Aircraft Components before applying power again.
3. Verify Aircraft DC Power
Confirm that the aircraft electrical system is supplying full power to the inverter:
- Approximately 14 VDC for a 14-volt aircraft system
- Approximately 28 VDC for a 28-volt aircraft system
Low battery voltage or insufficient power at the inverter input may prevent the inverter from operating correctly.
4. Verify Inverter Output
While the inverter is connected to the aircraft’s DC power, verify that it is producing approximately 120 VAC at 400 Hz. The E.L.S.T. panel cannot operate directly from the aircraft’s DC electrical system. It requires the correct inverter output to illuminate.
5. Score the E.L.S.T. Panel
If no shorts are found and the inverter is operating correctly, the panel may need to be scored, or conditioned. Superior Aircraft Components offers a test kit that allows the disconnected panel to be powered with 120 VAC at 60 Hz. When properly scored, the panel should produce a visible green glow.
- Disconnect the test power once the green glow is observed.
- Reconnect the panel to the approved inverter.
- Confirm that the inverter supplies 120 VAC at 400 Hz.
Contact Superior Aircraft Components to obtain the proper test kit and instructions before attempting this procedure.
If the Panel Still Does Not Illuminate
If the E.L.S.T. panel does not produce a green glow when tested with the approved 120 VAC, 60 Hz test kit, it may have sustained irreparable damage. The panel will need to be evaluated for repair or replacement by Superior Aircraft Components. Do not cut, drill, disassemble, or attempt to repair the panel in the field.
Contact Superior Aircraft Components
Contact Superior Aircraft Components for additional troubleshooting guidance, testing equipment, repair, or replacement assistance.
