One of the most common questions with a mixed lot of violet wand bits is "will this fit that?" Sometimes the answer is obvious. Often it isn't. There was never one universal standard, so electrodes from different makers, and even different years from the same maker, can vary.

What has to match#

For an electrode or accessory to fit properly, three things need to line up:

  1. Diameter of the fitting. The metal end has to slide into the socket and be gripped firmly. A few tenths of a millimetre too big and it won't go in; too small and it'll wobble.
  2. Length of the fitting. It needs to go in far enough to make a solid electrical contact at the bottom of the socket, but not so far that the glass neck is pushed against the front of the handle.
  3. Contact style. Some fittings have a pin or tip that meets a contact deep in the socket, others connect along their sides. A mismatch can mean a poor connection even if the fitting looks right.

How to measure#

With everything unplugged:

  • Measure the diameter of each electrode's fitting with digital calipers, at a couple of points, and note it to a tenth of a millimetre.
  • Measure how long the metal part is, from the end to where the glass begins.
  • Measure the inside diameter and depth of the wand's socket if you can do so without taking anything apart.

Write it all down. Over time you'll build up a handy reference for your own collection, and it makes buying spares much easier.

Signs of a poor fit#

  • the electrode needs pushing hard, or won't go in fully
  • it wobbles or droops once fitted
  • it slides out when the wand is tilted
  • the glass neck touches the front of the handle
  • the glow flickers when you move the wand (on a wand that's safe to run)
  • scorch marks on the electrode's metal cap or inside the socket

Never force it#

Forcing an electrode that's slightly too big is one of the quickest ways to crack the glass at the neck, or to damage the socket. Wrapping a too-small fitting in foil or tape to pack it out is just as bad. It makes a poor, sparky connection that heats up and can burn the cap or the handle.

If it doesn't fit cleanly, it doesn't fit.

Modern electrodes in vintage wands#

Modern replacement electrodes are made in a few common sizes, and some of them will fit some vintage handles. Some won't. And some will appear to fit but make poor contact. Measure both before buying, and if you're not sure, ask the seller for the exact fitting dimensions.

Even when a modern electrode fits, think about whether you want to use it. Keeping a vintage wand with its original style of glass is part of its character.

Accessories#

Besides glass electrodes, you'll come across metal electrodes, adaptors, cables and other add-ons. The same rules apply: match the diameter, length and contact style, and never improvise. About Violet Wand Accessories covers what they are.

Mixed sets#

If electrodes in a set don't fit the handle, or fit loosely, they may have come from a different set. That's useful information for your records. Note which pieces fit, which don't, and the measurements. See the comparison guide for more on spotting mixed sets.