title_body: How do you build and use a smoke stopper? What is the right way to build and use a "smoke stopper" device to prevent a short or other improper wiring from damaging your electronics? 
  
  Is it different depending on what voltage you are using?
upvoted_answer: There are different ways, but a common one is to put a light bulb in series with the positive battery lead.
  
  This works because it will allow low currents through to power the flight controller, but if there is a surge in current from a short the bulb will light up and sap away the energy.
  
  You need to make sure you have a light bulb rated for the voltage you intend to put through it - for example if you have a 3V light bulb and use it as a 6S smoke stopper, the filament will melt.
  
  This guide by Joshua Bardwell is great to build a switchable smile stopper: https://youtu.be/I5a0TAmEwLE