Violet wand

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A Violet Wand or Violet Ray is a device used for the application of low current, high frequency, high voltage electricity to the body using an arrangement similar to a Tesla coil, originally for purposes of electrotherapy. Violet Ray devices are popular among collectors of "quack" medical devices. Since the 1990s the devices have become popular in the BDSM community for use in sexual stimulation (electrical play), where they are more commonly known as Violet Wands.

In use, a violet wand typically produces a fine shower of electrical discharges (ie sparks) from the tip of a glass "wand," which glows violet in the process, hence the name. The wand can be set to a range of strengths from very mild tickling to excrutiating, and interchangable glass or metal electrodes can be used to distribute the charge to the body in a variety of different ways.

A violet wand should not be used on someone who has a pacemaker, insulin pump, or other electrically operated medical implant (and should not be used near other electronic devices, as the high voltage can damage electronics.)

Due to its very low current, most experts in the use of the Violet Wand agree that it can be used above the waist - for example on the back, breasts and nipples (although some Safe, sane and consensual (SSC) proponents do object to all use of electrical toys on the torso or head.)

Violet Wands cause sensations such as tickling or pain by virtue of the very high temperatures present in the electrical discharge through the air from the electrode to the skin. These temperatures can produce skin reddening, similar to nettle rash or mild sunburn, or even result in temporary or permanent branding if sufficient intensity is used.

Violet Wands should not be used near the eyes, and although tempting due to the similarity of many violet wand attachments to butt plugs and dildos, great care should be taken if used internally due to the fragility of the thin glass used.

Older violet wands may overheat if they are used for extended periods of time, especially on high settings, causing their wax cores to melt. This is less of a problem for modern violet wands, which may easily be used for an hour at a time in many cases.

The electrical discharge will preferentially follow routes involving metal conductors, and will arc to metal objects which may result in the top or bottom receiving unexpected VW shocks. The sparks from a violet wand will ignite flammable liquids and gases. The sharper the electrode, the more intense the discharge and the sensation, and this should be bourne in mind when planning a scene. (For example, if the bottom is restrained with metal cuffs, sharp corners on the cuffs may suddenly produce a much more intense discharge if the VW arcs to the metal.)

Violet Wands may benefit from the use of a residual-current device (RCD) circuit breaker, if there is any danger of the cable from the wall socket to the wand generator being damaged, or the generator or cable getting wet (soft drinks and urine will conduct mains electricity.) If this happens, the RCD will prevent the generator or exposed cables from remaining live. However, it is regarded as essential that the bottom is further isolated from the generator and mains by means of an electrical insulator somewhere in the electrode being used. (Due to the high frequency of VW signals, they are readily transmitted through short insulators by capacitive coupling, which would block any mains electricity to pass through from a fault within the generator.) For glass electrodes, the air gap present between the central electrode and the glass bulb or rod provides an insulator, but when using metal electrodes (for example, when passing the VW signal through the top to the bottom) the electrode plugged into the VW generator must include a plastic or ceramic insulating section.

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