From TheBestCaseScenario

[edit] Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL)

CCFL redirects here.

[edit] Overview

Computer wise, CCFLs were first used as backlights for liquid crystal displays ¹. These days, however, CCFLs are a very quick and dirty way to light a case up. Simply plug the light tubes into the supplied inverter, plug the inverter into an available molex connector from your PSU, and you are good to go.

Not surprisingly, the colored CCFLs (along with other lighting applications for computers) in use in computer modding today are an item that has crossed over from the so called ‘boom car’ scene, which becomes obvious when one realizes that both cars and computers have 12 volt rails².

It should also be stated that the term ‘cold cathode’ is a misnomer³. Like any other light source, heat will be generated.

[edit] CCFL parts list

A CCFL kit contains the following:

1. CCFL tube (kits commonly contain one or two tubes)
2. Inverter
3. wired switch

A note on the wired switch: there are two versions available, a rocker switch that you need to install in the computer case and (this is especially true of newer models of CCFLs) a PCI slot cover with a switch installed in the back. Some people have limited space in their expansion slots, so don’t be surprised if you need to bust out the soldering iron.

[edit] Colors

CCFLs are available in a number of eye popping colors. Some of the more popular colors are (big surprise here) red, green, blue, purple and Ultra-Violet. Other colors can be created by wrapping colored CCFL tubes in colored tissue paper before installation.

One interesting advancement in the CCFL field: the introduction of multi colored CCFL tubes. How useful they are can be debatable, because in modding (like so many other things in life), too much of a good thing is not always a great thing. Beauty, however, is in the eye of the beholder.

[edit] Applications

Anything goes when CCFLs are involved. Kits can be purchased that will give you the option of sound activation, and some CCFLs can be powered via an USB port, thus allowing for applications outside of the computer. CCFLs also come in various sizes. One thing to keep in mind however: be sure to use the inverter that came with your lights with similar sized lights. Plugging a smaller CCFL into an inverter that is wired for a larger one (or vice versa) runs the possibility of destroying the CCFL and/or the inverter.

[edit] Conclusion

CCFLs are a very fast and inexpensive way to add flair to your home or gaming computer. Power consumption for one set of CCFLs is negligible at best, and chances are your power supply will be able to handle the extra load without any major issues.

[edit] See Also

LEDs
EL Wire

[edit] References

1. CCFL Characteristics
2. Glowy Things!
3. Cold Cathode
4. Image from Dansdata