Newmarket, NH c1905, Early Electric Utility Transformer, Pole, Arc Light

By Joe Maurath, Jr.; posted August 28, 2015

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This is a fine example of turn-of-the-century electric distribution pole line construction along with an open-type street arc light. The latter fixtures were introduced in the early 1880s and were prevalent for lighting larger areas until about 1900 when enclosed arc lights became commonplace. The latter were much more economical owing to the fact they were more energy-efficient and required arc-rod maintenance only every 7 to 10 days opposed to daily with the open arc type as seen here. The enclosed-arc fixtures looked similar but somewhat smaller; all had an enclosed glass globe whereby the two vertically-mounted arc rods produced their electric arc for illumination.

Also upon this pole is an old cast iron electric lighting service transformer. These typically had a 1,100 or 2,200 primary with a 100 or 110 volt secondary for lighting customers about when this image was taken.

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