Arcing line connectors caused interference

A baffling case of radio interference caused much distress to the citizens of Albert Lea, Minn., some time ago. The interference manifested itself as a continuous sound, obviously caused by a maintained arc. It was finally located by means of a portable set inside of a sleeve clamp connecting an aluminum to a copper conductor on a transmission line on the outskirts of the city. The hole in the connector for the reception of the aluminum conductor was fined with aluminum and the hole for the copper conductor was lined with copper. The man who installed the connector reversed it so that the contacts were between unlike, instead of like, metals. Corrosion occurred in the course of time, until finally an arcing contact was established. When the connector was replaced the interference ceased, thus terminating a prolific source of radio complaints. — Electrical World.