Thorn EFVM3.T/ICEL

This bulkhead bears more than a passing resemblance to the Escort, although this version is the 'Emergency' version, and has a built-in battery back-up to allow the lamp to keep running in the event of mains power failure. Whilst the bulkhead is virtually new and unused, it has been in storage for some time as a date on the battery pack gives 1993 as a year of manufacture.

The fitting comprises an aluminium body and semi-transparent polycarbonate cover.

A close-up of the bulkhead's label.

The fitting can be mounted directly to a surface or via a BESA conduit box.

The (disconnected) battery connector lead can be seen through the cover.

As with the 'normal' version of the Escort, this fitting has a hinged gear tray. The red power indicator LED can be seen to the top-left of the tray.

All components in the gear tray are made by Smart and Brown. The three sealed batteries can be seen on the right, and the ballast and emergency running module can be seen on the left.

I powered the bulkhead up on Friday, 16th May 2008.

The circuit is quite elaborate - the live feed charges the battery and also feeds an external photocell which switches the lamp on at dusk. A two-gang manual switch is also connected, in order that the cell operation can be deactivated whilst the cell itself remains live. The other switch allows the lamp to be activated manually out of the normal cell operating hours.

The red indicator LED can be seen working here with the bulkhead in 'non-maintained' mode.

The bulkhead is seen in use this time - the LED was still in operation but the increased brightness has prevented it from being picked up by the camera.

Fitzgerald Bulldog | Philips XWC 121 KP

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