Douglas Head-Scenic View

Old Engine Room_________Tower and Private Residence
Douglas Head Station

Control Panel_______________________ Sealed Beam Lamp Array

The metal panels in front of the lamps are called collimators,whose purpose is to give a sharper more defined flash.

Circuit of sealed beam lamps____________________AGA PRB21--Gearless Drive Unit

Two double banked units of 12 lamps mounted facing in opposite directions,turned by an AGA PRB21 Gearless Drive Unit rotating at 3 rpm,gives a flash every 10 seconds. Only 8 of the lamps (30 Volt 200 Watt) run at 25 Volt 150 Watts to give increased service life are used in normal operation 4 in each bank are 6 Volt 28.5 Watts used as emergency lamps (Loss of mains electric power or complete failure of main lamp banks) Corresponding lamps (4) in each bank are connected in series,if one lamp fails all four go out,which gives each unit the same intensity,similarly with the 6 volt lamps,two connected in series.Power provided by emergency batteries. Emergency light is a 200 mm Lantern mounted on the balcony rail. Operation of the light is monitored at Northern Lighthouse Board Monitoring Center. Attendant visits on a fortnightly basis carry's out system checks and checks physical condition of building. September 2004 the Retained Lighthouse Keeper (Isle of Man) superceded the Attendant and visits on a monthly basis. Technicians visit at least annually to check,modify and update equipment as required.

All photographs Copyright Fred Fox.