Anyone who spends time around violet wands will eventually get zapped by something they didn't expect. Some of those zaps are just a nuisance. Others are a sign of a serious fault. This guide helps you tell the difference.
The serious one: a mains shock#
If you feel a tingle, buzz or jolt from the handle, cord, plug or any metal part of the wand body, that's very likely mains voltage where it shouldn't be. It's the dangerous kind.
What to do: let go if you can, switch off at the wall, unplug, and don't use the wand again until a qualified person has found the fault. Even a mild tingle counts. The next one may not be mild.
Common causes on vintage wands:
- perished cord insulation, especially where the cord enters the handle
- cracked or chipped Bakelite letting a hand get close to live parts
- internal wiring that's come loose and touched a metal end cap
- damp getting inside
- an old repair done badly
An RCD-protected socket or an isolation transformer greatly reduces the risk of a dangerous mains shock (see Which Converter or Transformer Do I Want?). Neither excuses a faulty wand.
The nuisance ones: high-frequency zaps#
These come from the electrode's output finding a path you didn't intend. They're usually sharp and startling rather than sustained, but they can still burn, and they're a sign you need to rethink your setup.
Sparks to nearby metal#
A running electrode will spark to metal nearby: a watch, a ring, the edge of a metal bench, a tool. If your hand is between the electrode and the metal, the spark can go through your skin to get there.
Avoid it: remove watches and rings, clear metal from around the work area, and keep the electrode pointing away from you.
Static build-up#
Things near a running wand can pick up a charge, including you if you're standing on an insulating floor. Touch something earthed and you get a snap.
Avoid it: don't touch earthed metal like radiators or taps while the wand is running. Switch off before reaching for anything.
Through a cracked electrode#
If an electrode is cracked, the high-frequency output can escape through the crack, or the glass can break and expose the metal contact inside.
Avoid it: never fit a cracked, chipped or repaired electrode. Check every one before use.
Through the handle#
If the high voltage end of the coil is getting too close to the outside of the handle through damaged insulation, you may feel sparks or tingles through the Bakelite itself, especially near the electrode end.
Avoid it: stop and get it assessed. This is a sign of insulation breakdown and will only get worse.
Telling them apart#
| What you feel | Where | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tingle, buzz or jolt | Handle body, cord, plug | Mains fault | Stop, unplug, get it repaired |
| Sharp snap | Fingertips near metal | Spark to nearby metal | Clear metal, remove jewellery |
| Snap touching something | Anywhere | Static build-up | Switch off before touching things |
| Sparks through the glass | Electrode | Cracked electrode | Retire the electrode |
| Prickling through the handle | Front of handle | Insulation breakdown | Stop, unplug, get it repaired |
A golden rule#
When anything surprises you, switch off and unplug first, then work out why. Don't keep running a wand to "see if it does it again".