IMPORTANT !!! DO NOT use wall current !!!
For projects such as these, we would recommend knife switches. Their one
great advantage is that their "open" design easily shows how a switch works.
However, their 2 disadvantages are 1) they are hard to find and
2) they are
somewhat expensive. Much easier to find (and cheaper) would be switches
used in everyday house wiring. (Don't buy illuminated types or mercury types
and ONLY use battery power with these). Household switches have their moving
parts encapsulated in plastic and cannot be seen. So, take all these facts
into consideration when deciding which type of switch you are going
to use.|
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At first thought, taking apart a flashlight
might seem to be a good source for both these items. However, when
batteries and light bulbs are outside of a flashlight, they are very
awkward to work with. For example, how would you connect wires to the
batteries and the bulb?
We recommend using a 9 volt battery. Terminals
that 'snap' onto these batteries are readily available. These have 2 short
wires that easily allow you to make good electrical connections. For a bulb
we would recommend a 9 volt "screw type" that can be inserted into a matching
socket which should have screw terminals for attaching wires.
Wires come in varying thicknesses or
"gauges". The smaller the number, the larger the wire. For example, #16
wire is bigger than #18 wire. We recommend using #18, #20 or #22 for
these circuits. Wire also comes in solid or stranded types. If you are
totally inexperienced with wiring, you might want to use solid only. Stranded
wire is not that much of a problem, but remember to twist the strands tightly
before making connections.
DON'T use bare (uninsulated wires). With that in mind
you will need a tool for removing the insulation
from the wire. A wire stripper or even wire cutters should do the job quite
nicely. A knife could be used but it has a tendency to nick the wires,
doesn't do as neat a job and poses the risk of cutting yourself. Please
use the proper tool for removing the insulation.
As for making connections, strip away 3/4" of
insulation. Connections of 1 wire to another wire should be twisted tightly
and then covered with electrical tape. Wires connected to screw terminals
should go about 2/3 the distance around the screw in a clockwise direction.
Good luck with wiring the project !!!
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