Chapter I: Preface

The Electric Light possesses the great advantage over gas, in that it can be turned on or lighted from a distance. The customary means of igniting gas with a match or taper is both dangerous and often inconvenient. The inventive genius of modern times has evolved a means of lighting gas by electricity which is both reliable and easy of application. It requires no very complicated devices, nor does it necessitate a deep knowledge of electrical matters for its installation. The object of the following pages is to enable any one possessing ordinary mechanical ability to construct much of the apparatus used, or at least to successfully erect it and keep it in operation.

We beg to thank the following firms for the use of illustrations: Edwards & Co., Mott Haven, New York; A. L. Bogart, New York; Wm. Roche, New York; The Electric Gas-Lighting Co., Boston, Mass., and The Manhattan Electrical Supply Co., New York.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

Introduction; means of producing sparks; Induction--Simple
induction coils--Ruhmkorff Coils 1

CHAPTER II.

MULTIPLE GAS LIGHTING.

Application of induction coils to gas-lighting--Forms of burners
used--Pendant Burners--Ratchet Burners--Stem Burners--Welsbach
Burners--Burners for Acetylene Gas--Burners for
Gasolene--Automatic Burners 7

CHAPTER III.

CONNECTIONS AND WIRING.

How to connect up apparatus--Wiring a house--Locating breaks or
short-circuits--Wiring in finished houses--General remarks 26

CHAPTER IV.

PRIMARY COILS AND SAFETY DEVICES.

How to make a simple induction coil--Automatic Cut-outs--The
Syracuse Cut-out--Boston Cut-out--Edwards’ Cut-out 46

CHAPTER V.

LIGHTING OF LARGE BUILDINGS.

Series or Jump Spark System--Burners used--How to Wire--Edwards’
Condenser System--Switches for series lighting--How to make a
2-inch spark, Ruhmkorff Coil 55