PASCO EM-8622 BASIC ELECTRICITY - Manual (Page 8)

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Basic Electricity 012-04367E
The springs are securely soldered to the board and serve
as a convenient method for connecting wires, resistors
and other components. Some of the springs are con-
nected electrically to devices like the potentiometer and
the D-cells. In the large Experimental Area, the springs
are connected in pairs, oriented perpendicular to each
other. This facilitates the connection of various types of
circuits.
If a spring is too loose, press the coils together firmly to
tighten it up. The coils of the spring should not be too
tight, as this will lead to bending and/or breaking of the
component leads when they are inserted or removed. If a
spring gets pushed over, light pressure will get it straight-
ened back up.
The components, primarily resistors, and small wires can
be stored in the plastic container at the top of the board.
Encourage students to keep careful track of the compo-
nents and return them to the container each day following
the lab period.
Notes on the Circuits Experiment Board
When connecting a circuit to a D-cell, note the polarity
(+ or -) which is printed on the board. In some cases the
polarity is not important, but in some it will be impera-
tive. Polarity is very important for most meters.
Connections are made on the Circuits Experiment Board
by pushing a stripped wire or a lead to a component into a
spring. For maximum effect, the stripped part of the wire
should extend so that it passes completely across the
spring, making contact with the spring at four points.
This produces the most secure electrical and mechanical
connection.
(side view)
(top view)
Wire
Spring
Figure 1 Diagram of wires and springs