Salvaged from a "grand-daddy" valve oscilloscope - a Taylor Model 31A
Taylor Electrical Instruments were a designer & manufacturer of test equipment in England
The company was purchased by AVO in 1958 and eventually AVO (which was purchased by Metal Industries in 1959) was purchased by Thorn Industries. A lot of structural changes were occurring in the electronics industry at this time.
The equipment dates from the early 1950's! see the photograph to view this ugly beast in all its former glory.
After evaluation, I decided that full restoration of this Taylor scope was not a viable project so this is one of the parts I have removed.
Belling Lee - Circuit Breaker
Made in England
Early 1950's
Type: L431
Phonelic base measures 36mm x 32mm
Extremely rare antiquity from mid last century electronic equipment. Instead of using a fuse, this circuit breaker allows for a reset system, no replacement fuses needed.
The electrical contacts, spring etc are mounted on a small phenolic resin board, this is the insulating substrate. The board is mounted with small spacers above the chassis of the equipment.
NOTE: I am supplying the circuit breaker board but no hardware for mounting.
CONDITION:
Good condition, cleaned up the main components.
TESTING:
Power is run through the circuit breaker which is wired in series. The current passes through a few turns of wire which at around one Amp of current, heat up enough to make the bi-metal contacts open slightly which allows the sprung wire to move forward and create an open circuit in the supply line.
I ran current through the circuit breaker and at around 1A current passing through the circuit breaker, it tripped. Critical is the contact points, these must be kept clean for operation to occur properly. After a good clean, the resistance of the circuit breaker should measure 1 Ohm or less.
Not an extremely valuable electronic part but extremely hard to find, especially in working condition.
Nice electronic antiquity or as a replacement part in some vintage equipment
