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For many years, this robust 1970s' fitting remained unused in a switch room in Derby City Centre until a length of flex and a plug were wired in, in order to allow its use as a task light within the switch room. The fittings were frequently used in public toilets around the city and so it is likely that this one was destined for this type of use as well, but was never required as things turned out.

The fitting is designed to be positioned in the right angle created by the top of a wall and the start of a ceiling. The opal diffuser is firmly held in place from behind.

The front cover is prevented from falling after being opened by two catches on either side. When first received, the tubes were coated in a layer of surface grease and dirt - this was removed prior to the photograph being taken. The franking on the top tube has worn away but the bottom tube is made by Thorn. The lampholders are made by BLI (British Lighting Industries) - another part of the Thorn group. Unfortunately, the bottom-right lampholder is damaged but I have a spare T12 lampholder which will be fitted at some point.

The tubes are powered by a single Quickstart unit. Coloured tape is used to identify both lamp circuits.

A close-up of the ballast.

The replacement T12 lampholder was fitted and the unit was duly wired and powered up. Even with the cover in place, the output was still impressive.

On Friday, 1st February 2008, I acquired two Thorn 20 Watt ultraviolet tubes and duly fitted them in this luminaire to see how they appeared when in use:

The light output is not as blue as is suggested here - it is more along the lines of the output colour from 'Insect-O-Cutor'-type lamps.

Lamp operation video:

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