A collection of objects and archives related to electricity distribution

A collection of objects and archives related to electricity distribution. Formerly owned and used by NORWEB (later known as United Utilities, by 2011 trading as Electricity Northwest)

Details

Category:
Electricity Supply
Object Number:
Y2011.19
type:
collection of objects and archives

Parts

Section of mimic board

Section of mimic board

Section of mimic board, of the type used in the NORWEB the control room during the 1960s to help engineers understand the electricity distribution network. Thought to have been preserved as a training aid.

Aluminium framework supporting numerous interchangeable individual plastic tiles, somewhat in the manner of a mosaic. Certain tiles include manually rotating elements, relating to the diagram.

Measurements:
overall: 280 mm x 640 mm x 45 mm, 2.7 kg
Object Number:
Y2011.19.1
type:
electrical apparatus
Electrical distribution cable sample

Electrical distribution cable sample

Oil cooled heavy duty electrical distribution cable, of the type used by Norweb in the mid-20th-century on Manchester's high tension electricity distribution network

Cable sample, simple slice, no preparation

Measurements:
Overall: 300 mm, 60 mm, 3.25 kg
Object Number:
Y2011.19.2
type:
electricity supply cable
Medium-heavy duty electrical distribution cable

Medium-heavy duty electrical distribution cable

Medium-heavy duty electrical distribution cable, of the type used by Norweb in the mid-20th-century on Manchester's electricity distribution network.

Measurements:
Overall: 120 mm, 120 mm, 5.45 kg
Object Number:
Y2011.19.3
type:
electricity supply cable
Three core electrical distribution cable

Three core electrical distribution cable

Mounted sample of three core electrical distribution cable. Used by Manchester Corporation on distribution network between 1930s and 1950s.

Cable prepared as a display sample or teaching aid, revealing concentric layers. Mounted in brass and glazed.

Measurements:
Overall: 16 mm 120 mm, 1.3 kg
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and glass
Object Number:
Y2011.19.5
type:
electricity supply cable
Heavy duty "explosive" type fuse

Heavy duty "explosive" type fuse

Heavy duty "explosive" type fuse. Used on electricity distribution networks at 6.6 kV and 11kV. When the fuse is activated, a metal pin shoots from the end, and forcibly opens a circuit breaker.

Heavy white ceramic cylinder with aluminium at each end, much the same style as a domestic fuse but many times larger.

Measurements:
Overall: 360 mm, 63 mm, 2.6 kg
Object Number:
Y2011.19.7
type:
fuse
Enamel sign from an electrical substation

Enamel sign from an electrical substation

Enamel sign from an electrical substation, stating "Feeder 1". Used on Manchester's electricity network by Norweb until the 1990s.

Rectangular steel plate with wide enamel coating to face, bearing black enamel lettering. Black to rear. Mounting holes.

Measurements:
Overall: 76 mm x 457 mm, 63 mm, 400 g
Materials:
steel (metal) and enamel
Object Number:
Y2011.19.8
type:
sign
Commemorative plaque: Opening of Norweb Control Room by Minister of Power

Commemorative plaque: Opening of Norweb Control Room by Minister of Power

Rectangular brass plaque with mounting holes and engraved inscription. Commemorates the opening of Norweb control room by Minister of Fuel and Power, The Rt. Honorable Richard F. Wood. Dated March 29th 1963.

Measurements:
Overall: 152 mm x 254 mm x 3 mm, 1.1 kg
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
Y2011.19.9
type:
sign
Insulated electrical test probe for use by electrical engineers on high tension installations

Insulated electrical test probe for use by electrical engineers on high tension installations

Insulated electrical test probe for use by electrical engineers on high tension installations, rated to 6,600 V. Sometimes known informally as a "hot stick"

Long Brown tapering pole with metal probe tip, and viewing window revealing indicator tube halfway along

Measurements:
Overall: 870 mm, 50 mm, 1 kg
Object Number:
Y2011.19.11
type:
electrical test equipment