power converter for Cooper Hewitt mercury arc lamp
Date: 1920-1935
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0771
Classification: Lamp
Subject:
Maker: General Electric Vapor Lamp Company (1919 - 1939)
Maker: Cooper Hewitt Electric Company (1902 - 1919)
Maker: General Electric Company (1892-present)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
11 x 20 x 20 cm (4 5/16 x 7 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Description:
This power converter for a mercury lab-arc lamp is enclosed in a black circular metallic casing. A porcelain plug on top of the casing provided the converted power to the arc lamp. This device converted low voltage and low ampere current (AC or DC) into higher voltage and higher ampere (250 volts and 10 amps).
Signedon plaque: MANUFACTURED UNDER PATENTS OF / COOPER HEWITT ELECTRIC CO. / HOBOKEN, N.J.
Inscribedon plaque: LAB-ARC / 105-125 V. - A.C.-D.C. / CHANGE CONNECTIONS UNDER COVER / FOR OPERATION ON D.C.
FunctionThe Cooper Hewitt lamp was invented in 1901 by Peter Cooper Hewitt of New York City. It was the first successful discharge lamp, emitting light from an electrical arc extending between electrodes in a low pressure mercury vapor. The lamp's tube contained a significant amount of liquid mercury, which evaporated during use to maintain the conduction of electricity.
The main advantage of the lamp over incandescent bulbs was its much higher efficiency (advertised as over eight times more efficient). However, the mercury arc emitted a very unnatural blue light, which limited its appeal for household illumination. Initially, it had a market in large industrial spaces (which gradually turned to other systems after the 1910s), and later it remained very popular for specialized applications. Particularly in the printing and photography industry it was the preferred lamp as its emitted wavelengths were especially chemically reactive.
It continued to be produced as late as 1965.
The main advantage of the lamp over incandescent bulbs was its much higher efficiency (advertised as over eight times more efficient). However, the mercury arc emitted a very unnatural blue light, which limited its appeal for household illumination. Initially, it had a market in large industrial spaces (which gradually turned to other systems after the 1910s), and later it remained very popular for specialized applications. Particularly in the printing and photography industry it was the preferred lamp as its emitted wavelengths were especially chemically reactive.
It continued to be produced as late as 1965.
Curatorial RemarksBy 1919, Cooper Hewitt Electric Co. had become a subsidiary of General Electric. This power source was made after 1919.