ARCS AND INCANDESCENTS.
Perhaps I would better explain here the difference between arc and incandescent wiring. If we had a row of arc lights to put up we could run our wires as in Fig. 1. The current going to the first light passes through to the next, and so on until it reaches the last light, when it returns to the dynamo.
With incandescents we run two wires parallel, and make our connections as in Fig. 2. This is called “multiple arc.” Each lamp is independent of the others, and if one “dies” the current passes through the others uninterrupted.
Suppose you have a “cut-out” of 110 volts, carrying sixteen or twenty lamps, and wish to run six lamps on a strip. (This is figurative, and only used to demonstrate, for you can use any number up to the capacity of your switch.) You proceed as follows: Lay out the place for each lamp. Bore two holes the size of bushings, and between each two lamps place two knobs, as in Fig. 3. Cut two pieces of wire, long enough for all the lights, allowing enough extra to knot each knob and for the last lamp, and also leaving enough to reach the switch. Fasten the wire to the knobs nearest the last lamp, as in Fig. 4. Stretch tightly to the next knob, and repeat until the wire is all laid. For each lamp remove about one and one-half inches of insulation on each wire. Take pieces of wire five inches long for connections, and remove one and one-half inches of insulation from the ends of each. Twist these ends tightly around your lead wires, as in Fig. 5, and solder them. The simplest way to solder is to heat your exposed wires until they are hot enough to melt the solder when it is held against them.
Let me say here that when I have laid out my wires, and marked my connections, I then unloose the wires, make my cross-connections and replace them. It takes time, but it is easier, and is the proper way to work.
When the soldering is finished take your tape and carefully wrap each exposed wire. Then through each hole put a piece of bushing, and run your connections through the bushings. Run the two ends through for the last lamp. No short wires are attached for these, and your work should now appear as in Fig. 6.
Then you are ready for your lamps. Turn the strip over and fasten the sockets in place, positive sides all on the same edge of your strip. Cut the connecting wires the required length and remove one-half inch of insulation from the ends. Loosen the brass screws, place the ends of the wires under them, and fasten down. Fig. 7 shows one side of socket connected. Attach brass hoops and rubber rings, and you are all ready for placing and connecting. It is probably unnecessary to state that the same principles above explained will enable one to place lights in circles, horseshoes or any other designs that may be required. Once you know how to wire a window, a great field of operations is open to you.