Three magnetic links and one perspex link-holder

Three magnetic links and one perspex link-holder

Magnetic links and holder, 1951

Used to record the direction and peak value of the large currents that flow to earth when an overhead power line is struck by lightning.

The links consist of several strips of cobalt steel enclosed in a 6 cm long plastic tube. The holder, normally of oak, is here made of perspex for exhibition purposes.

When the conductor is struck the links become magnetised. Subsequent laboratory measurement of their remanent magnetism supplies information on the nature of the discharge current.

Details

Category:
Geophysics
Object Number:
1952-385
Materials:
cobalt steel, perspex and plastic
Measurements:
tube: 60 mm
type:
magnetic link
credit:
British Electricity Authority

Parts

Magnetic Link Holder

Magnetic Link Holder

Holder for magnetic links, created in Perspex for display purposes. Black coloured wooden base, wooden cylindrical ‘rod’, painted silver. Transparent Perspex rectangle attached to wooden stand via screws and black plastic. Three slots for the magnetic links.

Materials:
wood (unidentified) and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
1952-385 Pt1
type:
link holder