Violet wand

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Eroticism

A Violet Wand (or Violet Ray) are devices used for the application of low current, high frequency, high voltage static electricity to the body using an arrangement similar to a Tesla coil. teh purpose was originally for purposes of electrotherapy, though there were few identified. 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. The color in the common used name is due to the color of light generally often produced when using glass elctrodes.

In use, a violet wand typically produces a fine shower of electrical discharges (i.e., sparks, more or less) from the tip of a glowing glass "wand". The wand can be set to a range of intensities from very mild tickling to excruciating, and interchangeable glass or metal electrodes can be used to distribute the charge to the body in a variety of different ways.

Violet Wands cause sensations such as tickling or pain by virtue of the electricla current impinging on the nerves, and the very high temperatures present in the electrical discharge to the skin. These temperatures can produce skin reddening, similar to nettle rash, or mild sunburn (the sparks emit UV light and should not be stared at), or even result in temporary or permanent branding if sufficient intensity is prolonged.

Risk Awareness

Circuit Breaking

Violet Wands may benefit from the use of a residual-current device (RCD) circuit breaker (Circuit Fault Interrupter in North America), 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 (sweat, drool, soft drinks and urine will conduct electricity). If this happens, the RCD will most likely prevent the generator or exposed cables from remaining live. However, it is essential that the bottom is further isolated from the generator and mains by means of an electrical insulator between bottom and the electrode in use. (High frequency VW signals are readily transmitted through thinnish insulators by capacitive coupling; this will help block any mains electricity attempting to pass 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.

Overheat

Older violet rays, especially an older one, may overheat if they are used for extended periods of time, especially on high settings, causing their capacitors to heat. Some were built using waz as a dielectric and the wax melts as sufficiently higg termperatures. This is less of a problem for many modern violet wands; some can be used for an hour at a time. When acquiring a wand, it is well to seek advice from knowledgeable practitioners.

Arcs and Sparks

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 born 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.)

Safety

Drugs

Doctors advise against electro play if you are on Cocaine or using any form of solvent (which includes poppers / amyl nitrate). Cocaine increases the risk of arrhythmias in the heart, and solvents render the heart muscle very sensitive to the effects of physiologically released adrenaline, again putting you at risk of sudden stress induced arrhythmias.

Electricity

Just as the static electricity from a rubbed balloon will not kill you, a Violet Wand stroked down a back (above the chest) is unlikely to cause a problem. Note the use of "unlikely" here. Nothing is certain in medicine, and you must weigh the risks and benefits, just like smoking or driving a car.

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 on a normal, healthy person - for example on the back, breasts and nipples. Some medical practitioners and some Safe, sane and consensual (SSC) proponents advice against use of any electrical toys on the torso or head, including the arms (especially against both arms at once).

Violet Wands should not be used near the eyes.

Like all electrical devices, the violet wand should be kept away from water or other fluids, so does not make an ideal partner for watersports.

The sparks from a violet wand is able to ignite flammable liquids and gases, including those from some fragrance burners.

Glass Fractures

There is a similarity of many violet wand attachments to butt plugs and dildos and it can be tempting to use them as such. The glass used tends to be very fragile and great care must be taken if used internally. Many medical doctors and surgeons advise never using them internally due to the fragility of the thin glass used and the severity of injury possible.

Overuse

If sufficient intensity is used, a blurred but permanent branding can occur, representing an electrical burn in miniature.

See Also

Other References

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