This Libra in Horsley is fitted with an SS9-DLS part-night photocell.
Rather than operating part-night, this Libra in Etwall was pictured operating constantly; the part-night photocell having failed.
At least, this allows the working lamp to be seen.
The reflectors are angled in such a way that they have no effect on the light output directly beneath the lantern.
The 1805 column that the following installation replaced was in virtually original condition "at the top" when removed - it retained its concrete bracket, and still supported what was likely to be its original lantern - a remotely-geared Philips MI 50 35 Watt SOX lantern complete with P42 two-part photocell. The only indication that time had elapsed since the column's installation was the fitting of a base sleeve at door level; suggesting that this particular column was suffering from the structural issues that this type of column is notorious for having. Oddly, the new column is positioned with the lantern pointing 90 degrees from the direction that the old lantern faced, meaning that it concentrates less light on the actual carriageway and more on a communal parking area for some sheltered housing. This does, however, allow a more unusual view of the lantern.
This 36 Watt example in Duffield replaced a defective Philips MI 26 35 Watt SOX lantern.
The length of the new lantern almost matches the length of the bracket!
This 36 Watt Libra has been retro-fitted to an ELECO 'Silverline' aluminium column located adjacent the busy A632 in Kelstedge; it replaced a GR 501 lantern in 2013/4. This column was replaced completely a few years later; a Phosco P852 LED lantern is fitted to the new column.
Viewing the installation from a slightly different angle reveals the rather severe upward tilt of the bracket.
A twin bracket arrangement exists in Draycott. The 1805 column that this setup replaced was itself fitted with a twin bracket and Thorn Beta 5 35 Watt SOX lanterns.
The narrow 34 mm diameter bracket arms look particularly spindly when entering the lanterns; this is because the lanterns cater for bracket diameters of up to 60 mm - a Continental size that is relatively uncommon in Britain; at least we are able to maintain an identity for some things!
This new housing estate in Pleasley is the only place in Derbyshire where 36 Watt Libras were proposed for the new development's lighting; the examples seen above were all one-for-one replacements for lighting on existing roads.
Included with every Libra lantern are a couple of rigid black plastic inserts that are intended to reduce the amount of forward and backward light cast by the lantern. These are optional and are generally not fitted by contractors. The inserts clip into the sides of the bowl. Additional inserts are available in situations requiring extra light control.
A slightly unusual variant of the Libra is the Libra-X lantern; this is specifically intended for use in illuminating pedestrian crossings. The picture below shows two such lanterns illuminating a Zebra Crossing in Swadlincote. The lanterns are attached to the spigots of special 6 m columns that also act as a support for the Belisha Beacon unit; the type seen here is the "Zebrite" type, incidentally.
The lamp is offset in this version of the lantern. This provides the necessary asymmetric light distribution that ensures that the majority of the luminous flux produced is concentrated on the crossing itself.
The offset lamp is more apparent in the example installed on the opposite side of the road. A Zodion Super6 photocell is fitted here.
