Repurposing Beverage Cans for Low Voltage Electrical Wiring

This is a proof of concept to use beverage cans to make low voltage wires. A long thin spiral is cut from a can and this is connected to another by climping. The purpose is to operate a signal lamp from a distance. Perhaps to inform someone working in a carshed/workshop they are required in the house. Similar signal lamps are used in broadcasting for 'On Air'.

Supplies

4 beverage cans
Light
Battery
Switch

Cut a Long Thin Spiral

Cut the top off an aluminum beverage can using a craft knife and scissors.
Then cut a thin spiral of about 2mm width from the can. I found a length of over 4 meters can be achieved if care is taken. You may like to wear cotton gloves while doing the cutting.

Joining Lengths of 'wire' Together.

Lengths can be joined together by first sanding each side of the ends and then climping one to another using long nose pliers.

End Connectors

End connectors were climped on (as I had some on hand). A screw into a piece of wood could also have been used for a connector. One end is then connected to a signal light while the other is connected to a power source and switch. The switch is turned on to power the light at the other end and send the signal. E.g. 'Dinner is ready'. Tape can be used to route the wires and prevent them touching each other.

Adding Signal Light

A signal lamp was made from a torch head (flashlight). The tags on the wires were soldered on. The base is made from a ring of black cardboard. A red cap from a gas can made a good cover.

Testing Earth Return

I had read that early telegraph lines had a single wire and used 'ground return' to complete the circuit. I tried this out using a couple of tent pegs in the garden. It only worked for a distance of about 6 inches and even then the lamp didn't glow very brightly. It's effected by the resistance in the soil. If it is wet the resistance will be less and more current will be able to flow. This principle is used in soil moisture meters.

Creating a Magnetic Field

A magnetic field can be created from a beer can by looping 'wire' cut from it around itself and applying an electric current.

A length of sellotape was first applied to one side of the wire (for installation) before been wrapped around a ferrous rod.

A small compass was used to pick up the magnetic field.

When the ferrous rod was removed the magnetic field was lessened but still clearly seen.