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horstmann full range | gas controllers and time switches




newbridge gas controller
Introduced in 1923. The most popular Controller extant for use in ordinary "square" gas lanterns (upright and square lanterns). Quick lighting and extinguishing. Heavy guage rustproofed steel case. Extinguishing pilot to oder. Instantly detachable and guaranteed interchangable insect proof clockwork movement. Hinged cover. Can be fitted with a variety of ignition devices including the "Equinox" (with byepass) and "Comet" (no byepass). Used for upright lamps i.e. square lamps. The Primer version permits the passage, for a few minutes prior to full "ON", of sufficient gas to expel any accumulation of air in the supply pipe between the controller and the burners. First Coment ignitors appear in in mid 1935. (The catalogue number is changed to 3A/UNI/COM if Comet fitted). Fitted with a 15 day clock movement which can be extended to a 35/42 day run if required. Comet Mark III first announced in early 1937 for the Newbridge 3A/UNI Controller, designed for square lanterns, fitted with an easily detached battery holder, and obviates the need of byepass ignition - this was designed to meet the demand for a lower priced type and is easier to fit to an upright type lamp. The battery is contained in a chromium plated cylinder attached to the Bakelite base of the Comet body. (Second and third illustration shows a 3A/UNI controller with Mark III Comet igniter). In 1938, the 3A/UNI Controller fitted with the Mark III Comet represents the last word in automatic control. Mark III Comet ignition device mentioned along with Mark VI and Mark VII in 1945. By 1946, the Mark IX Comet was available, as being advertised with the 3A/UNI Controller. The Comet has been improved and is now rendered free of electrical tracking and the shortened battery facilitates the changing of batteries in square lanterns. By the use of Comet ignitors, the need for a by-pass is eliminated, and saves an average annual saving of up to 1,500 cu. ft. of gas per lamp. By 1949, upwards of 1¼ million have been installed.
Newbridge 3A/UNI Gas Controller 15 day run 1932 Catalogue
1933 Advert
1936 Advert
1936 Advert
1936 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1938 Advert
1938 Journal
1938 Advert
1938 Advert
1938 Programme
1939 Journal
1939 Advert
1939 Advert
1939 Programme
Public Lighting #36
1945 Programme
1946 Advert
1947 Advert
1947 Journal
1948 Advert
1948 Programme
1949 Advert
1949 Advert
Public Lighting #80
Public Lighting #84
Public Lighting #86
Public Lighting #90
Newbridge 3A/UNI/Checking Gas Controller 15 day run 1947 Journal
Newbridge 3A/UNI/Primer Gas Controller 15 day run 1937 Programme






Newbridge Gas Controller
Being marketed in 1933, but also described as introduced in 1936 (this must've been the redesign in a different case). Has a 15 day run. Initially for vertical or descending supply. Has one gas way. Only 5½in. overall. Clockwork movement. Instantly detachable. Quick lighting and extinguishing. Cast Iron (aluminium to order weatherproof outer case). Models are available for special purposed such as midnight reduction, main tap control up to 2 in. iron, solar compensation of times of lighting and extinguishing etc. Subsequently used for suspension type lamps and contains the clockwork movement, main valve, "Comet" and battery in a weatherproof case. (This was probably the version introduced in 1936). Used for suspension lamps as before the Comet Ignitor could only be used with upright square lamps. This is for the many authorities who prefer to use Controllers fitted immediately above the Lamp. Second illustration shows the gas controller with the comet igniter. By 1938, the Mark III Comet was being used for square lanterns and the Type 15/3A/COM Controller (which embodied the Controller and Comet in a weatherproof case) was being used for suspension and globe lamps. Handset or solar dials can be supplied.

The Comet entirely eliminated permanent by-passes, and when the gas is turned on to the burners, the Comet automatically gives a flame of about 5 seconds dwell, which is sufficient to ignite the burners. Saves approximately 2000 cu. ft. of gas per lamp per annum.

Newbridge 15/3A Gas Controller ?? day run 1933 Advert
1945 Programme


Newbridge 15/3A/COM Gas Controller ?? day run 1936 Journal
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1937 Advert
1938 Journal
1938 Advert
1938 Journal
1938 Advert
1938 Advert
1938 Programme
1939 Advert
1939 Advert
1939 Advert
1939 Programme
1945 Programme
1947 Journal
Newbridge 15/3A/COM/VER Gas Controller ?? day run 1939 Programme
Electrical Time Switch
Designed for group street lighting control and will deal with loads of the full rated capacity continuosly without fear of breakdown. Very simple in construction and designed for low maintenance cost. Capacity of 15A D.C. at 250V and 30A A.C. at 250V. Later quoted (in 1937) to a capacity of 50A A.C. at 250V. Single or double pole. 15 or 35/42 day run, hand wound or electrically wound.
E/2 Electrical Time Switch. 1933 Advert
1937 Advert
1938 Advert


Electrical Time Switch
Compact unit. Can switch 10A. A.C. or 5A D.C., at 250 volts, single pole. Can be fitted with Handset Dial or Solar Compensating Dial. 15 day, 21 day run or 40 day run, hand-wound clockwork movement. Complete in cast iron weatherproof case. By 1938, was being called the "Type T" (the postfix being the D.C. amperage). Singe pole, double break, quick action metal contact type switchgear. With extended drum. Suitable for mounting in base of lamp columns.
T/5 Electrical Time Switch 15-21 day run 1936 Advert
1938 Advert
1936 Advert
1947 Journal


Electrical Time Switch
Single pole time switch for unit street lighting control. 5A AC or DC at 250V. This type of time switch is available with either cast aluminium or cast iron weatherproof case. Available in various types e.g. 15 day hand wound model, 250 volts, 5 amps at A.C. or D.C.; synchronous motor driven, 250 volts, 5 amps, A. C. only. A general utility model. Single pole, double air break, metal-to-metal contact type switchgear.
U/4 Electrical Time Switch 1937 Advert
1945 Programme
1947 Journal


Electrical Time Switch
Single pole time switch for group street lighting control. 20A AC (10A DC) at 250V. This type of time switch is available with either cast aluminium or cast iron weatherproof case.
E/5 Electrical Time Switch 1937 Advert
1945 Programme


Electrical Time Switch
Self-starting Synchronous motor driven time switch. Capacity 10A A.C. at 250V.
X Synchronous Electrical Time Switch 1937 Advert
1938 Advert
1945 Programme


electrical time switch
This is the self-starting synchronous motor driven model for use on A.C. only. Can be modified with extra tappet to switch off at midnight and turn on again in the early morning. Drives single phase circuits of up to 20A, 200/250V at 50Hz. Movement and switchgear are totally enclosed so the model can be fitted in the base of lamp columns without the use of a cast metal box. A manually operated push button is fitted on the switch for circuit test purposes. Called "K Synchronous" in 1945. This is an extremely compact model for street lighting, and has the smallest practicable over-all dimensions. Self-starting synchronous motor-driven movement for use on A.C. single phase two wire 200-250 volts 50 cycles, capacity 10 amps. Suitable for electric discharge lighting.

The K/1 switch, introduced in 1949, has both solar and handset dials and allows a number of secondary switching operations to be performed during the solar "on" period. It can be used as a reduction or change-over model or will indepently control two circuits. The switch has been developed for colliery surface lighting, industrial areas and the like where more flexible control than a normal solar dial.

K Electrical Time Switch 1938 Advert
1939 Advert
1939 Advert
1945 Advert
1945 Programme
1946 Advert
1947 Advert
1947 Journal
1948 Advert
1949 Advert
Public Lighting #92
K/1 Electrical Time Switch 1949 Programme
K Mark II Electrical Time Switch Public Lighting #99
Public Lighting #100
Public Lighting #101
Public Lighting #102
Public Lighting #103
Public Lighting #104


Electrical Time Switch
W Electrical Time Switch 1945 Programme


gas controller
This controller, complete in weatherproof box, is designed for use with dual supply suspension lamps. It has an interesting modification - instead of the normal single gas way, this controller has two. Thus in conjunction with a three tappet hand set dial, gas may be cut off from a predetermined number of burners in the cluster at midnight. The remaing burners are then extinguished at some later time by the third tappet.
15/4/3A Gas Controller 1947 Journal


Electrical Time Switch
Synchronous time switch in special metal case with separate terminal compartment.
V Electrical Time Switch 1948 Programme


Electrical Time Switch
Designed to control two circuits for part-night lighting (otherwise known as the "midnight reduction model".) Has a 10A A.C. capacity per circuit.
Q Electrical Time Switch Public Lighting #80
Public Lighting #84
Public Lighting #86
Public Lighting #90
Public Lighting #92
Q Mark III Electrical Time Switch Public Lighting #108
Public Lighting #109


Electrical Time Switch
This is the synchronous motor driven model with spring reserve of three days. Can be modified with extra tappet to switch off at midnight and turn on again in the early morning.
V/SRS Electrical Time Switch Public Lighting #99


Electrical Time Switch
Drives circuits of up to 20A, 250V at 50Hz.
Y Mark II Electrical Time Switch Public Lighting #104