 These articles are scanned and OCRed from
old editions of The Wireless World magazine.
As radio equipment builders and operators, we still battle two fundamental issues
that have been around since the beginning of time (well, from Marconi's time, anyway)
- grounding and power supply fluxuations. Both topics are addressed briefly here
in this editorial column from a 1932 The Wireless World magazine. Back
in the day, grounding was referred to as "earthing," and was/is essential to optimal
wireless and wired performance. Line voltage "fluxuations" (fluctuations) are generally much less
severe today than in the 1930s thanks to better transformers, automated monitoring
and adjusting of line voltages, and better distribution designs. The worst type
of power line fluxuation - a lightning-induced surge - has been greatly reduced
thanks to superior engineering, primarily by the simple running of a grounded neutral
"static" wire running at the top of all the lines below it on utility poles and
transmission towers.
Grounding & Line Fluxuations
Wireless Earths
The water pipe has been the wireless user's best friend for many a long year,
and, despite many attempts to persuade the public to adopt the ideal of efficiency
in the shape of a specially constructed earth buried in the garden, the vast majority
of listeners still adhere to the original expedient of making the earth connection
to the water pipe. No book of instructions on the installation of a set has been
complete without the advice that, if a buried earth is impracticable, then a clean
. connection to the water pipe should be as a very satisfactory alternative.
After all these years of quiet enjoyment of the facilities which the water pipe
offers it will come as a shock to learn that an attempt is being made to divorce
wireless sets from water pipes on the grounds that the practice "is likely, in course
of time, to cause serious deterioration of the water pipes and mains, leading to
subsequent leakage of water.
The first instance of objection to come to our notice originates with the Portsmouth
Water Company, and it seems likely that, if their view is accepted, other water-supply
authorities will also take steps to prevent the use of their water pipes for wireless
earthing purposes. It is difficult to estimate the inconvenience to wireless users
which would be caused if they were deprived of this means of earthing, and we therefore
feel that a scare in regard to the damage which might be caused to the water pipes
ought not to be started unless there is ample and unchallengeable evidence that
damage does actually result. Up to the present we cannot recollect having seen any
evidence published of damage resulting from, this practice, and we would like to
be referred to any reliable source of information on this subject or records .of
experiments which have been carried out. Surely this subject must have been fully
investigated long ago, and the reason that no action has been taken is that there
is no justification for it.
Whilst recognizing that if damage to water pipes does occur, then water-supply
companies have every right to protect their property, yet we feel very strongly
that when the use of the water pipe for this purpose has been so universally adopted
over many years no restrictions ought to be imposed on frivolous or ill-founded
evidence.
Voltage Fluctuations
It is interesting that, just after we have been discussing in our columns the
question of fluctuation in the voltage at consumers' mains, a case should have been
brought up at the Exmouth Petty Sessions, where a local Electric Light and Power
Company has been fined for selling electricity at a voltage lower than that declared
by the company and required by the regulations.
It appears that many complaints were received in this case in regard to the variation
in supply; the voltage at consumers' terminals should have been 220, subject to
a possible variation not exceeding 4 per cent. above or below. Voltages as low as
196 were recorded by an inspector, and proceedings were taken against the supply
company after a number of investigations had been made.
In imposing the fine of £10, the Chairman of the Bench remarked that the actual
liability of the company was some £95. It is to be hoped that the wide publicity
which this case appears to have received may have the effect of reminding other
supply authorities of their responsibilities, so that they take greater precautions
to maintain voltages within the prescribed limits.
People old and young enjoy waxing nostalgic about and learning some of the history
of early electronics. The Wireless World was published in Great Britain
from April 1913 through March 1922. Thereafter it ran under the name The Radio
Review, and then finally Electronics and Wireless World. For all of
the articles posted a page is created with a cover image and the table of contents.
As time permits, I will be glad to scan articles for you. All copyrights are
hereby acknowledged.
Vintage "The Wireless World" Magazine Articles
Posted December 11, 2023
(updated from original post on 5/14/2011)
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