Dollhouses are not just for children anymore. Adults who enjoy miniatures can also find a great deal of enjoyment by crafting and arranging dollhouse components. While children typically use dollhouses for play, adults often view their miniatures as works of art, and they constantly strive to create the most realistic miniatures possible. One way to create an impressive air of reality is to wire the dollhouse for lighting. Since dollhouses are scaled down versions of the real thing, the electrical currents used in dollhouse lighting are much lower (and hence safer) than what is encountered when wiring a real house. Nevertheless, the job of wiring a dollhouse for electricity is not one that should be undertaken lightly. Dollhouse lighting requires strict attention to detail and the ability to work with small components without getting frustrated. Of course, most adults who enjoy working with miniatures already possess those traits, so they should be well suited to the task.
There are many different ways to wire a dollhouse. One of the most popular methods is the copper tape method. This involves running two pieces of copper tape around a part of the dollhouse that is not readily visible (the back for front opening dollhouses, etc.). The tape pieces must form a complete loop. One loop will be used for the hot wire (the wire that produces the current) while the other loop will be used for the ground (the repository that serves to drain electric charge). Electricity is brought from the copper tape into the house by drilling a tiny hole and running a wire through to the appliance on the inside of the house. Copper tape is easily broken, however, and can also corrode, so many miniatures enthusiasts often choose another method. One method that is commonly chosen is the twin wire method, which is a method that uses tiny wires and socket boards to connect all of the components. Socket boards can easily be concealed behind the dollhouse and access to the wiring can be achieved through small drill holes.
Regardless of which method of dollhouse wiring is chosen, any configuration is going to require the use of a transformer. Since the high voltage electricity that comes from household plugs will likely fry any dollhouse lighting, it is important to utilize a transformer to step down the voltage. Most electrical dollhouse components require twelve volts.
Doll house wiring really is quite simple and can be the difference between an average miniature house and a spectacular one. There are several different wiring methods, each of which has its benefits as well as its detractions. Perhaps the most important thing to remember when wiring dollhouse lighting is to use a transformer to step down the high voltage electricity from the wall circuit into something that is useable by the dollhouse accessories.
