Tuneable stethoscope, made by Sonicaid Ltd, 1963. Used by the North-West branch of the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service (NIFES).

We might associate stethoscopes with a visit to the GP, but this stethoscope was for industrial use. It could be tuned to dampen high and low pitch frequencies, so that the engineer could focus on a particular sound. Engineers could use this stethoscope in the maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment. For example, they could listen out for broken parts, and hear the gas and liquid flow in pipes.

The fuel economy of the UK changed dramatically between the 1930’s and 1940’s. An excess of domestic production of fuel in the 1930’s became a serious deficiency by the late 1940’s. The National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service (NIFES) was established in 1953 in order to advise on fuel efficiency after the government nationalised the power industry. The Electricity Act 1947 merged over 600 individual companies into 12 area boards. NIFES engineers performed energy audits and surveys, emissions testing, efficiency and deliver training courses. NIFES Northwest division was based on Oxford Road in Manchester then moved out to Altrincham. Today NIFES still supplies clients with independent energy related engineering consultancy.

The number 298 stamped on the gauge shows that this instrument was listed on the NIFES's Instrument Room’s inventory. NIFES Engineers requested instruments, like this one, and took them out on jobs with them.