A violet ray or violet wand is a quack medical device used for the application of low current, high frequency electricity to the body using a Tesla coil for purposes 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.

A modern violet wand typically consists of a hand held "wand" made of plastic. The base of the handle has a permanently attached electrical cord which plugs directly into a wall outlet. The wand will normally have an intensity level control and sometimes an on/off switch, usually located near where the electrical cord is attached. The Tesla coil consists of two electrical coils, a capacitor, and a rheostat located inside the wand. The "tip" of the wand has a socket into which an electrode is inserted.

A violet wand only creates sensation when there is a gap between the electrode and the body. A violet wand electrode is usually made of clear tempered glass and is sealed and filled with a gas which glows when the wand operates. Different gas mixtures produce different glowing colours, usually purple, red, blue, or pink. Glass electrodes also come in a variety of sizes and shapes (including probe shaped, rake shaped, curved-y shaped, mushroom shaped, or bulb-shaped). Most glass electrodes have a metal end cap which inserts directly into the electrode socket on the wand. Some bulb-shaped electrodes have a screw thread cap and require an adapter in order to connect them to the electrode socket.

Solid metal electrodes (usually probe shaped) may also be used, and produce a far more intense sensation than glass electrodes.

The standard US size for the electrode connector on a violet wand is (7/16 inch or 11.11 mm).

Violet wands can be operated with a foot switch which attaches between the wall socket power outlet and the electrical cord of the wand. Depending upon the type used, the foot switch may adjust the intensity of the wand, or may be a simple on/off switch (which is especially useful for wands which do not have their own on/off switch).

Violet wands were invented and sold by Nikola Tesla in the early 1900s. However, numerous companies copied his design and began selling the devices. Tesla refused to defend his invention, much to the consternation of his financial adviser.

One popular misconception is that violet wands produce ultraviolet light, and sometimes violet wands are erroneously called "Ultraviolet wands". Violet wands do not produce any significant amount of ultraviolet light and do not cause UV burns. However, the glass electrodes do generate ozone and nitrogen oxides, giving your skin the well known "ozone smell."

Safety

A violet wand should not be used on someone who has a pacemaker, insulin pump, or other electrically operated medical implant. It should not be used on anyone with a history of heart disease or nerve damage. Safe, sane and consensual (SSC) proponents prefer to use a violet wand anywhere except above the chin. Do not use near eyes. If a violet wand is used for too long on any one part of the body, reddening of the skin may occur. A violet wand may overheat if it is used for extended periods of time. It will arc to metal. The sparks from a violet wand will ignite flammable liquids and gases. A Residual-current device directly between the violet wand and the wall socket can be used for safety. Like all electrical devices, the violet wand should be kept away from water.

See also

• Erotic electrostimulation

External links

• Electrotherapy Museum: Violet Ray