Atlas Arrowslim (×2)

Acquired in April 2021.

These two lights were removed from the same property as the Unknown Fluorescent Fitting, on the previous page, was, although they were installed in one of the bedrooms as a 'wall wash' above a window. They mustn't have been used for a while, however, as their lamps were missing; these were discovered, covered in dust, in the garage.

The Arrowslim, as its name suggests, is designed for use in areas where a low profile light fitting is desirable. Measuring 36 inches (914 mm) in length, 1·34 inches (34 mm) in width and 2·8 inches (70 mm) in depth, the compactness is evident. Although 30 Watt fluorescent lamps were available in the larger T12 diameter too, only the narrower T8 lamps can be used in these, owing to the design of the lampholders preventing the wider lamps from being accommodated. Electrician John Ward has produced a video of a similar, but newer Arrowslim, on his YouTube channel - this can be viewed by clicking here.

The two fittings are identical in appearance; however, the gear cover is missing from the lower fitting, allowing the wiring to hang out.

The two lamps are made by Philips - this one is dated '1G', suggesting that it was made in July 1991.

The other lamp has a much fainter frank, and the lamp appears to be older - it is dated '5B'. which represents February 1975.

With the lamps removed, the difference that having the gear cover installed becomes apparent.

The lampholders carry T.E.I. branding - Thorn Electrical Industries.

The gear covers clip into place, with the clips sharing the same spring used by the lampholders to ensure that the lamps are secured tightly during operation. With the mains connection wires being coloured in brown and blue, and the earth wire being green with yellow dots (there is also an internal label advising of the 'new' international colour standards for wiring), I would estimate that these fittings date from the early 1970s.

Both fittings employ a British Lighting Industries AME 6 6004.4 ballast to run the lamp. As can be seen, this ballast was also suitable for running two 15 Watt lamps in series, as an alternative.

A narrow 'Terry' clip supports the starter switch in both fittings, with a push connector being used instead of the conventional bayonet-style starter holder.

One of the fittings retains its original aluminium-cased Atlas starter, while the other runs a slightly newer plastic-cased Wellco starter.

Unknown Fluorescent Fitting | Crompton Crompack (×2)

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