The same thing happens with the electricity. This electricity which travels at the speed of 163,000 miles a second, when it comes into frictional relation with its conductor pushes aside the molecules of the metal, and here the mechanical energy is magically transformed into heat. SOME TECHNICAL TERMS When we hear short-circuit mentioned, what does it mean to us? Well, it should mean that the path of the electricity (electric circuit) has been suddenly shortened, the electricity has escaped through the ground or over another conductor. Insulation is the covering by which the escape of electricity through the wire is made impossible. Always see to it that the insulation is in perfect condition. All wires must be insulated. In damp places rubber covered wire must be used. Wires must always be protected with porcelain tubes passing through partition walls, girders, and where they pass over pipes, and other wires, etc. Incandescent lights are merely globes with a vacuum in which a filament of tungsten or some other highly resistant material meets the electric current and glows through its very resistant power. The switch is merely a device to open and close the path of electricity. The socket is the termination of two wires from the generator or battery, into which the bulb of the light is put and other connections made. You will notice two wires on every electric connection. This is to make a complete electric circuit (path) to and from the points where it is used. The outlet is the opening where the socket can be placed. The more outlets you have in your home before building the better off you will be forever and ever. A convenient outlet (sometimes called a baseboard or wall receptacle) is simply a place for conveniently connecting electric appliances to your electric current. Fuses are things we hear much about. They are the stop-gaps really between danger and safety and though they make a splutter when they “blow out” it is right that they should. Briefly, the fuse is a bit of lead or other metal with a low melting point so placed that when the circuit gets overloaded for any reason the metal will melt and open the circuit, stopping the electricity and preventing danger. When the fuse burns, we call that a blow-out, but this burning has saved us from dangerous currents. Every house should be well supplied with fuses, and as soon as they are blown out, restored. Your superintendent or electrician will show you how to restore the oft blown-out fuse. So it is wise to keep a few new fuses in one’s home.