Violet Wand electrodes must be 'excited' or primed with electricity before they will work.  Think of it like priming a pump.  The priming needs done after manufacture, and is called 'Charging' an electrode.  You may need to do it after you first receive it.  Charging an electrode may need done again from time to time, especially if your electrode has been stored without using it for a while.

To prime or 'Charge' your electrode, do the following:

Unplug your wand.  Turn the knob to a medium high setting.

Insert your electrode.

Lay your wand flat on a table (eliminates human error).

At the FAR end of the electrode, farthest away from the wand, lay a metal object such as a table knife or a screwdriver so that it is touching the farthest end of the electrode. 

Plug in your wand and allow it to run for at least 4 minutes.  When your electrode lights, it is now 'charged' and this will not need done again.  Your electrode should light immediately after this.

Again, if you store your electrode for any length of time without using it, it will need charged again. 

If your electrode fails to light after 5 minutes (please be sure you have used the metal object touching the far end of the electrode) then it has lost its seal.