Bug zapper
The Bug Zapper
Function
A bug zapper uses a strong electrical current to kill insects that are attracted to it due to a light source in the center of the device.
History
The Bug Zapper, also known as an electronic insect-control system or electronic discharge insect control system, was invented by William F. Folme and Harrison Chapin. Although there have many improvements made to the electronic bug zapper the basic components remain the same. The first bug zapper that was sold for use in homes was created by Bob Lannini
Components
A bug zapper is made up of 4 basic parts.
Housing: The housing of a bug zapper is usually made of plastic or a grounded metal. The housing holds the parts of the bug zapper together. The housing is usually in the shape of a lantern or a large cube.
Light Bulb: The light bulb inside a bug zapper is fluorescent light bulb, usually a ultraviolet Light. Most insects see ultraviolet light better than they see our (the human) visual spectrum.
Wire Grid: The wire grid usually has two layers. The outer wire grid's purpose is to prevent young children or small animals from being shocked. The second wire grid has a electric current running through it (there is a small gap between each grid).
transformer: A transformer is a device that converts one AC voltage to another. In this case the transformer changes 120 volts into 2,000 volts or more. The transformer provides the necessary amount of power to instantly "fry" an insect.
"In Action"
First, lets meet our friend Bill the moth. Bill is flying a close to a patio with a live bug zapper on it. Mesmerized by the UV light, Bill flys over to the device. He gets past the first grid then touchs two points on the second grid with the electrical charge flowing through it. Bill completes a circut and has 2,000+ volts flowing through him, he soon bursts into flames and falls down to a collection chamber where his charred corpse will remain until it is cleaned out by the owner of the bug zapper.