It is well for the beginner to know that a current of 110 volts does not kill, though it might make the recipient seriously ill. Therefore, be careful not to get yourself in the path of the current. Never touch both naked ends or openings in wires at the same time, nor stand upon the ground while working live wires. Always stand on some non-conductor, a dry board, for instance. The inexpert can always protect himself by disconnecting a fuse behind him both sides; or, better, open the “main cut-off” or first switch.
CONNECTIONS.
When your design is wired and set up in your window, your next step is to connect it to your “cut-out.” You will find two wires leading from it; to these you connect the two wires leading from your design.
It is not necessary to solder this connection; simply remove sufficient insulation and twist the wires together tightly.
There is a way to do this that every one should know, and I will tell you how to make a
WESTERN UNION HITCH.
After removing the insulation from the wires at the ends to be connected, bend the wires as in Fig. 1, lay them together as in Fig. 2, then with a pair of pliers hold one side, and with another pair twist the end around the lead wire tightly and closely, as in Fig. 3. When this is done hold the twisted wires with pliers and repeat the twisting process on the other side. This is a perfectly safe connection, and does not waste electricity as does a loose joint.
DIFFERENT VOLTAGES.
Sometimes it happens that your electric system is of higher voltage than you need use in special work; for instance, you may have a 220-volt circuit, whereas 110-volt lamps are amply strong for your work; or again, you have a 110-volt circuit, and want to use a number of small lamps, 1-candle power, for example.