decade resistance box
Date: 1930-1950
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1209
Classification: Resistance Box
Subject:
Maker: Leeds & Northrup Company (1903 - 1995)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
11 × 15.5 × 14.9 cm (4 5/16 × 6 1/8 × 5 7/8 in.)
Material:
Description:
A square box in which are stored several coils designed for an electric current to pass through. The top plate, in a smooth black finish, is fixed to the box with four screws. Each dial is numbered with two sets of 0-9, so that they can be set to any value without having to turn dial more than 90 degrees. One dial is for single units of Ohms, one for units of ten, one for units of hundred, and the last for units in thousands of Ohms. Underneath each dial is an arrow pointing up, marking where the dial should be read. On top of the plate are two binding posts that let the electric current into the box.
There is a small piece of black electrical tape on one edge of the top panel.
There is a small piece of black electrical tape on one edge of the top panel.
Signedon top panel: LEEDS & NORTHRUP CO. / PHILADELPHIA PENNSYLVANIA / MADE IN U.S.A. / CAT. NO. [4776] SERIAL NO. / 499263
FunctionSuch an instrument is used to measure the resistance of electric conductors. For a short general description and other images, go to the following website.
This one is more recent but works on the same principle. The decade name comes from the fact that the resistance is measured in single units divided in four dials, each a multiple of 10, from 1 to 9999 Ohms.
This one is more recent but works on the same principle. The decade name comes from the fact that the resistance is measured in single units divided in four dials, each a multiple of 10, from 1 to 9999 Ohms.