A system comprising a flexible linear EL cable, power source and power management module is disclosed. A power management module according to the present invention permits the flexible linear light cable to be powered or charged through a single connection. Employing a power management module in accordance with the present invention external DC power, via an external battery or 12V AC adapter, can be utilized without causing damage to an internal battery. The system is adapted to be portable for long lengths of reinforced EL wire for use virtually anywhere such as but not limited in shipboard firefighting.