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BDSM Dictionary : Violet wand : history
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This entry is part of the BDSM Dictionary hosted
by Informed Consent.
Violet wand
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. The purpose was
originally for purposes of electrotherapy, though there were few or no
identified therapeutic benefits. Violet Ray devices of this era
(broadly, prior to WWII) are popular among collectors of "quack" medical
devices. More recently, 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 colour in the common used name is due to the colour of
visible light generally produced when using glass electrodes. 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
pain, and interchangeable glass or metal electrodes
can be used to distribute the charge to the body in a variety of
different ways.
Most violet wand kits include a variety of different glass tubes of
different shapes, sizes and colours (the colour depending on the type of
gas within the tube). Different tubes produce different intensities of
shock and the various shapes allow the spark/s to be applied with
greater or lesser precision and spread. For example, a rake-shaped tube
may be used to apply four or five sparks, more or less simultaneously,
from the tip of each tine.
Some kits also include an electrode, in the form of a metal plate, which
may be used in place of the glass tube. The electrode is not applied
directly to the bottom, which would be very
intense, but, rather, somehow permanently connected to top's skin, such as by tucking it into the waistband.
When the top caresses the bottom, there is an electrical discharge between the
players which both feel. Alternatively, the top may hold something metal, such as a small chain or
Wartenberg Wheel, to apply the effect.
Violet Wands cause sensations such as tickling or
pain when the (small) electrical current impinges on
the nerves, and by the (temporary) very high temperatures present in the
electrical discharge to the skin. These temperatures, UV light emissions
(generally low, but not always negligible), and the damage (and reaction
to the damage to the skin) can produce skin reddening, similar to nettle
rash, or to 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.
Like any electrical toy, a Violet Wand has an obvious psychological
effect, especially on players new to it. Besides the spark that the
Violet Wand produces, the psychological effect is heightened by the
eerie glow of the tubes, the buzz of the Tesla coil, the crackle of the
sparks, and the distinctive smell given off by the production of ozone gas.Risk Awareness
Circuit Breaking -- safety
Safe use of Violet Wands (VWs) will benefit from the use of a
residual-current device (RCD) circuit breaker (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) in North America), especially if there is any danger
of the cable from the wall socket to the wand generator being damaged,
or of the generator or cable getting wet (NB: sweat, drool, soft drinks
and urine all conduct electricity well). 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 electrical
insulator between the bottom and the electrode in use. (High frequency
violet wand signals are readily transmitted through thinnish insulators
by capacitive coupling, but mains frequency current is not; this will
help block any mains electricity attempting to pass from a fault within
the generator through anyone, especially the bottom). 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
All violet wand equipment, especially older ones, may overheat if used
for extended periods of time, especially on high settings, because their
capacitors will get warmer from whatever equivalent series resistance is
present. Some older units were built using wax as a dielectric, and wax
will melt at sufficiently high temperatures, causing perhaps dangerous
conditions immediately or later. This is less of a problem for many
modern violet wands; some can be used for as much as an hour at a time.
When acquiring a wand, it is well to seek advice from knowledgeable
practitioners about durability and deterioration issues.
Arcs and sparks
The electrical discharge, being high frequency and so generally
preferring to travel near the surface of materials, will preferentially
follow routes involving metal conductors, and will arc to metal objects
which may result in the top or the bottom receiving unexpected VW shocks
from odd directions. Like all spark producers, a violet wand will ignite
flammable liquids and gases. Never use one in the presence of flammable
gases or liquids.
The sharper the electrode, the more intense the discharge and usually
more intense the sensation; this should be borne 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 / hexane (ie, many glues)).
Cocaine alone increases the risk of arrhythmias in the heart (North
Americans will probably remember the basketball player Lenny Bias), and
solvents generally render the heart muscle much more sensitive to the
effects of physiologically released adrenaline, again putting recipients
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. Little is certain when
mixing biology and electricity; you must weigh the risks and benefits,
just as when smoking or driving a car.
A violet wand should never be used on someone who has a pacemaker,
insulin pump, or other electrically operated medical implant. And VW
should not be used near other electronic devices, as the high voltage
can damage electronic components.
Due to the 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).
All agree that Violet Wands should not be used on or near the eyes, nor
on mucous membranes.
Like all electrical devices, the Violet Wand should be kept away from
all conductive fluids (e.g., water or drinks, ...); thus VWs should not
be used in connection with watersports.
The sparks from a violet wand can ignite flammable liquids and gases,
including those from some fragrance burners, hand cleaners, alcohol,
etc. VWs are entirely incompatible with fireplay
using such liquids as alcohol.
Ozone
Like an electrical storm, a Violet Wand breaks down Oxygen molecules in
the air to form Ozone. This process gives off a distinctive smell. As
Ozone is a poisonous gas, care should be taken not to use a Violet Wand
in a confined space for too long.
Glass Fractures
Many violet wand attachments are similar in appearance to butt plugs and dildos; it can be
tempting to use them as such. But there are several reasons not to do
so. The glass used in the electrodes tends to be fragile, unlike glass
dildos and butt plugs, and great care must be taken with it in any case.
Internal use of any kind is not great care. And when used internally,
the discharge will be to mucous membranes which should be avoided. 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
(This entry in the BDSM Dictionary incorporates text from the
Violet
wand article in Wipipedia.)
This entry is published under the terms of the
GFDL. People with profiles on
Informed Consent can improve
this entry: see the BDSM Dictionary
help page for details.
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