Bad Earth. A poor ground connection, or one having comparatively strong electrical resistance.
Balance. A proper adjustment between the apparatus and the electro-motive force, thus securing the best possible results.
B. & S. W-G. Abbreviations for Brown & Sharp and wire-gauge, and referring to the sizes of wire and sheet-metal thicknesses that are considered standards in America.
Bar-armature. An armature in which the conductors are constructed of bars.
Bar-magnet. One whose core presents the appearance of a straight bar, or rod, without curve or bend.
Bare-carbons. Electric light carbons whose surfaces are not electro-plated with copper.
Barometer. An apparatus for measuring the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. It consists of a glass tube 31 inches long, closed at one end, filled with mercury, and then inverted, with its open end immersed in a cistern of mercury. The column of mercury falls to a height proportional to the pressure of the atmosphere. At the sea-level it ranges from 30 to 31 inches.
Bar-windings. The windings of an armature constructed of copper bars.
Bath. In electro-plating, the solution or electrolyte used for depositing metal on the object to be plated. It may be a solution of copper, silver, nickel, or other metal.
In electro-therapeutics it is a bath of water with suitable electrodes and connections for treating patients with electricity.