Historical information

This item was acquired by the Ballarat School of Mines Electrical Engineering department for use in electric power laboratory as a source of D.C., and also for instructional purposes. This central mercury arc element was located in a cabinet with transparent side panels, and equipped with the required electric accessories, to be a self-contained stand-alone unit. Head of the Electrical Engineering Department at the time was John M. Sutherland.

Physical description

Mercury arc rectifier, 3-phase input. Constructed of blown glass, and complicated configuration: the central inverted truncated cone is provided with 3 large diameter "horns' and four smaller ones. Each horn has electrical connection to outside, some have side horns. Approximately half a cup of free mercury inside the glass complex.

Inscriptions & markings

No. 33369