Discussion on enclosed “station wiring,” at Chicago, Ill., May 24, 1907

I notice that Mr. Blackwell speaks of the connections being simple. I think this is a very serious matter and one that is not given the consideration it warrants. We try to make a system flexible by putting in all sorts of tie connections; then in order to save space and save cost we put in knife-switches. By putting in the knife-switches we court just what we are trying to avoid. The knife-switch may be opened by mistake. If it is opened under load by mistake there is a big arc, which may be whipped across and involve all the adjacent apparatus. Therefore, if possible, I think we should always try to keep each individual circuit entirely distinct, with no tie, and if ties are used we should use enclosed switches; that is, all switches in the form of knife-switches must be put in between barriers in order to confine the arc.