Local GEC Z5698Us

This lantern was (generally) used as a footpath lantern on many housing estates built between the late 1970s and early 1980s in the Derby City area; however, some were used to light the side roads of these estates as well. Although mercury versions were available, examples around here were always SOX - typically 35 Watt; though some were fitted with 55 Watt lamps. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the trend was always to fit a 35 Watt lamp. In 2006, this policy seemed to have been revised, as several lanterns were spotted running 55 Watt lamps again, although, this could have been a mistake during lamp replacement sessions.

This mock-up photograph shows the column that supported my first Z5698U - unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of the lantern prior to removal, and so I photographed another Z5698U nearby and combined the two pictures. Both of my examples and the one used in this picture use a 35 Watt SOX lamp.

This dayburning 35 Watt example is on a mid-hinged Stainton column on a footpath. The photocell was fitted on the 25th April 1996, so it lasted just over eleven years - these photographs were taken on the 28th May 2007. The fault was rectified soon after this.

This example is fitted with a 55 Watt lamp - it is also situated on a footpath (but not the same one).

Despite the brighter lamp being fitted, there was not a really noticeable difference in light levels.

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