Whitecroft Centurion

Bulkhead acquired in August 2020.

The bulkhead was one of three unused examples bought together on eBay by another collector, with the other two being identical in lamp type and wattage to this example.

The bulkhead came in its original box, with the label stating that it was packed on the 18th August 2011. Oddly, the product's name is misspelled "Centurian" here.

Inside the box, the bulkhead was wrapped in a polythene bag.

With the bag removed, the Centurion bears more than a passing resemblance to Thorn's original Piazza bulkhead, although the front cover is held to the rear section with four screws, and the 'hinge' on this comprises a split ring that holds the two sections together. None of these are fitted in this picture; they have to be fitted during installation. The fitting is also sold by Hilclare Lighting as their 'Amigo' fitting.

A label on the side of the bulkhead lists the various lamp types and wattages that it can accommodate, with the variables for this specific unit highlighted.

There are four fixing screw positions in the four corners of the rear of the unit, along with a BESA conduit box mounting option. Further cable entries are provided on the sides, and on top, of the bulkhead.

With the front cover not yet being secured, it simply lifted away, revealing the boxed lamp, instruction leaflet, a bag containing the fixings, and a Quality Control checklist.

With everything but the lamp removed, the brushed sheet aluminium reflector becomes more visible.

From the side, the lamp can be seen to be positioned at a slight angle. This ensures that more of the luminous flux is concentrated downwards when the bulkhead is operating.

With the reflector removed, the internal wiring is seen. A Tridonic electronic ballast is seen in the centre of the fitting, with four lamp output wires connecting it to the lampholder.

Once installed and switched on, the ballast pre-heated the lamp's electrodes before allowing it to activate - a means of prolonging the lamp life.

With the front cover fitted and secured, the correct optical pattern was produced.

This picture shows the Centurion (right) alongside the Thorn Piazza, in order to show how the two designs compare.

Bulkhead operation video:

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