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Archibald Williams explains the scientific principles behind common mechanisms and physical phenomena such as steam, electricity, light, and hydraulics. The text focuses on the fundamental operation of everyday devices rather than specific models or detailed technical specifications.

Page 146 of 446
Table of Contents

HOW IT WORKS.

as in Fig. 82, the lamps are said to be in series. Should one lamp fail, all in the circuit would go out. But where arc lamps are thus arranged a special mechanism on each lamp "short-circuits" it in case of failure, so that current may pass uninterruptedly to the next.

Fig. 82.
Fig. 82. —Incandescent lamps connected in "series."

Fig. 83 shows a number of lamps set in parallel. One terminal of each is attached to the positive conductor, the other to the negative conductor. Each lamp therefore forms an independent bridge, and does not affect the efficiency of the rest. Parallel series signifies a combination of the two systems, and would be illustrated if, in Fig. 83, two or more lamps were connected in series groups from one conductor to the other. This arrangement is often used in arc lighting.

Fig. 83.
Fig. 83. —Incandescent lamps connected in "parallel."

CURRENT FOR ELECTRIC LAMPS.

This may be either direct or alternating. The

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