ELECTRIC DANGERS.

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 54, 1 September 1894, Page 1 (Supplement)

ELECTRIC DANGERS.

» At a recent meeting at Washington 'of the National Electrio Light Association, Mr. J. H. Vail, M. Inst. C.E. of New York City, brought forward a number of interesting cases of electrolysis. Among them were the following : — A plumber in a Pennsylvania, city was repairing a water pipe in a house, and on breaking a joint an electric aro formed across the ends of the pipe. The house was not in the direct path of the railway circuit. Investigation followed, and it was proved beyond question that there was insufficient electric conductivity of the track system, and also that the earth did not afford a good return, though the tracks were well grounded. It was found that the railway current was travelling along all pipe Bystems in ifcß effort to complete the circuit to the dynamos in the power station. Actual tests were made with standard instruments. From 135 readings of the ampere meter, it was found that the water pipeß leading into the station carried an average current of 93 amperes. Further tests showed that, with 23 cars in operation, 40 per cent, of the total current was carried by underground pipes. Another interesting case was brought to light by a fire in the basement of a house. After it was extinguished, it was found that the current of an electric railway system had been carried along the iron water pipe entering the house. It is believed that, by vibration of the floors, this pipe and a gas pipe were brought repeatedly into contact — each time forming an arc between them. In this way a hole was eaten into the pipe, and the gas was ignited. After an analysis of the whole matter, Mr. Vail felt justified in recommending the adoption of the* complete metallic circuit as the standard for the best railway practice. — Scientific American.