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.
THE FUSE.
The next important step in show window wiring is the proper fusing of circuits. The fuse is to the lighting wire what the safety valve is to the steam boiler. A fuse is composed of a fusible metal, which contains lead, zinc, etc., and becomes fusible at a certain degree of temperature. The fuse is supposed to be “the watch dog” of safety. Ninety-five per cent of the electrical fires are caused by improper fusing.
My advice to the amateur is to apply to the nearest office of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for a copy of the rules on incandescent wiring. They may be obtained for the asking.
THE TRANSFORMER.
Usually the electric fluid (?) is conveyed into the building from the alley, where the high tension wires are strung, carrying a pressure of 2,500 to 3,500 volts from this line. By the aid of a “transformer” the current is reduced to a pressure of 110, 105 or 50 volts, as required, entering the building, when it is conveyed to a double-pole switch; that is, a switch which cuts off both positive and negative wires at the same instant.
