What Is a Violet Wand? History, Safety and Kinky Uses

Last Updated on 21 February, 2026 by Cara Sutra

Have you ever heard of violet wands? What is a violet wand? How does it work? Are they safe? Why do they have that name? And how come violet rays are both notorious and popular?

Violet wands are commonly used stimulation tools in the realm of BDSM & Electrosex. They provide a uniquely thrilling experience for those exploring kinky pleasure and consensual power exchange. Read on as I delve into the history of violet wands, explain what they are & how they work, and reveal their kinky uses.

What is a Violet Wand?

A violet wand is an electric device which uses high voltage to create a spark between two electrodes. This creates an electrical arc, produces ultraviolet light and the low-current, high-voltage electric is applied to the body using this device for pleasurable or therapeutic purposes.

The high-frequency, low-amperage electrical currents generated by a violet wand are generally perceived as safe & non-damaging to the human body. These electro wands consist of a handpiece which is connected to a power source via an insulated wire. The handpiece of the device emits electrical sparks or arcs when brought into contact with the skin via compatible attachments. The glass tube or attachment component often glows with a violet light, hence the name of the device.

Violet wands, also known as violet rays, are usually accompanied by an assortment of attachments for a variety of uses and stimulation techniques.

History of Violet Wands

A violet ray is an antique medical appliance, the origin of which can be traced back to the late 1800s. Nikola Tesla introduced his first prototype violet ray at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. The basic Violet Ray machine is a portable form of Tesla Coil.

Antique violet rays consisted of an ungrounded, electrical control box that controlled the interrupter and housed the magneto coil, and an attached Bakelite or other handle housing which contained the high voltage coil and an insertion port for attachments. Hollow glass tubes of varying shapes and for different therapeutic uses could be inserted into the Bakelite handle to apply the resulting current to different parts of the body. Violet ray treatments were said to cure everything from lower back pain to carbuncles.

Most of the antique violet rays in the US were produced before the Great Depression, and well-known producers include Renulife, Fitzgerald, Star Electric and Fisher. These companies often didn’t solely manufacture violet rays; they were general electrical appliance manufacturers. Companies who didn’t stop making violet rays due to the Depression ended up being stopped by World War 2, when they began manufacturing radio coils and other electrical components for the war instead.

How They Gained Notoriety

During the 1940s and 1950s, makers of violet ray electrotherapy devices were targeted by numerous lawsuits and government actions including recalls, seizures, forfeitures, and orders to have any violet wands destroyed. The last company to manufacture these devices was Master Electric. In 1951, it faced a lawsuit in Marion County, Indiana; its devices were seized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Manufacture of violet ray electrotherapy devices was then prohibited by case law in the USA.

Jon Burge, a former Chicago Police Department officer who was dismissed in 1992 following allegations of torture of suspects by Burge and detectives working under him in the 1970s and 1980s, may have used a violet ray on some of his victims. After being given descriptions of one of several electrical devices used by Burge, two museum curators independently suggested that he may have used a violet wand.

In recent years, the US has been able to manufacture violet wands once again. They are produced in the USA by Electro-Technic Products (Leak Detectors) and Fromm International (Aesthetician Products). In Europe, there are several manufacturers of violet rays, including Holo Electron in France, and Tefra in Germany.

Violet wand sets from the above manufacturers are regularly sold as adult novelties or alternative medical devices for physiotherapy benefits.

Present-Day Kinky Uses

Over time, the therapeutic use of violet rays evolved into more pleasurable and erotic applications. The electrifying sensation that these devices produced soon attracted the attention of those with a penchant for kinky pleasure pursuits and BDSM. By the mid-20th century, violet wands had become popular tools for sensation play and erotic stimulation.

Electrostimulation, or Electrosex, is gaining popularity as more people discover it. Once a secretive activity undertaken only by the BDSM community, it is now a mainstream option for couples’ pleasure sessions in the bedroom.

Because of its roots in the BDSM scene, Electrosex is often perceived as just a form of pain play. But that’s far from the truth. Yes, you can crank up the power and experience painful sensations if you like, but there’s the option for intensely erotic intimate stimulation too.

Related: ElectraStim Sex Toys Guide| Electrosex & Electro Sex Toys Guide

Violet wands offer a surprising array of sexual pleasure & kinky uses, and they’re a versatile addition to your erotic play toolbox.

Here are the most popular ways to use a violet wand:

Sensation Play:

Violet wands are often used in sensation play to provide various levels of electrical stimulation on different parts of the body. The tingling or prickly sensation can be customised to suit individual preferences.

Electrosex:

Violet wands are commonly used as Electrosex toys to enhance sexual intimacy and pleasure. They can be combined with conductive accessories to create a sensational experience for partners.

Role Play:

The electrifying nature of violet wands makes them perfect props for role play scenarios. Whether playing a mad scientist or a dungeon master, incorporating a violet wand can add an extra element of excitement and intensity.

Impact Play:

By attaching certain electrode attachments, violet wands can be used for impact play. The electrical arcs created upon contact with the skin create a unique sensation that can range from a gentle tingle to a more intense jolt.

How Does A Violet Wand Feel?

Violet wands feel like a mild tingling sensation on the skin, but the sensation will vary depending on where you choose to use it. Always make sure your violet wand is set to the lowest level before you switch on and begin using it. Everyone’s tolerance is different so what may feel mild for one person could seem overly intense to another.

The intensity will be greater if you use a violet wand on intimate regions such as the genitals than if you use it on an arm, leg or fleshy area like the buttocks.

You will be able to discover more about how violet wands actually feel in my UberKinky Violet Wand review, with video, coming soon to the Cara Sutra sex blog. In the meantime, buy violet electro wands from UberKinky here, or through the big green button below:

Safety Guidelines

There are some basic safety guidelines which need to be followed every time you use a violet wand:

• Do not use a violet ray on anyone with a pacemaker, insulin pump or other electrically operated medical implant.
• Don’t use a violet wand on someone who is/might be pregnant.
• Do not use violet wands on, or near, other electronic devices. The high voltage can interfere with and damage electronic components.
• Don’t get the violet wand or any attachments wet, and don’t use violet wands on wet skin.
• Do not use violet rays on anyone with skin problems (ie. sunburn, heat rash, melanoma, moles, warts, or open cuts).

In Conclusion

Violet wands, with their fascinating history and kinky uses, have become popular tools for those seeking adventurous experiences in the realm of Electrosex and BDSM. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or a newbie curious about exploring new sensations, violet wands provide a thrilling and electrifying journey into the world of intimate pleasure. Just remember to prioritise safety and active consent at all times.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_ray

https://www.violetwands.com/violet-wand-history/

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/violet_wand

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