The invention concerns an encapsulated electroluminescent device (100) comprising an electroluminescent system (1) including an active electroluminescent layer (12) disposed on a protective substrate (2) and between two electrodes (11 to 13), a protective cover (3) of said electroluminescent layer (15), secured to the substrate, means of sealing out water and vapor, a protective device (50') on the perimeter of the device at at least one part, the protective device (50) is of at least one metallic part (5a, 5b) or at least one plastic or glass part having a metallic part, the metallic part or the metallic part serving at least 20 for a first electrical connection to one of the electrodes, or in that it comprises at least one electroconductive layer deposited on one of the edges of the section of the substrate or of the protective cap and extending between the protective device and the substrate or the protective cover, for a first electrical connection to one of the electrodes.