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South West Discussion
http://www.ukastle.co.uk/discussion/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=19
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Author:  Phosco152 [ Fri Jul 21, 2017 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

Although they looked to be in good condition, a number were found to be structurally unsafe when they were removed - being next to the river, may have been in factor in terms of ground moisture. The main tubes are fluted rather than plain which was more common on earlier versions (1950s), but could still have been an option later on. However its pretty safe to say they have been in service for at least 50 years, if not closer to 60.

Author:  Phosco152 [ Fri Aug 04, 2017 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

Phosco152 wrote:
Wiltshire may have now stopped using SON lanterns for new installations in favour of LED. Although LED lanterns (Urbis Axias) had been used for the last 2 years on some footpaths on replacement columns, main roads and residential streets had still been using Philips (Indal) SON Arcs for new installations. However, this casual replacement of a GEC Z9480 35W SOX, uses a Philips Luma LED lantern. The same type of lantern has also been spotted on new columns that have replaced older concrete columns - a situation that had until recently, used Arcs.


A couple of months further on, it does looks like the end of SOX when it comes to lanterns needing repair.

A 10m column with a GEC Z9554 that has been without a bowl for more than a year, has had the GEC removed, the bracket cut off, and a Luma mounted post top.

What this means for "maintained" SOX is unclear. Several years ago, Wiltshire specifically said they wouldn't undertake a mass LED conversion as the costs were too high.  Selective part night operation using the Telensa CMS system was implemented instead.

Whilst part night should increase lamp life, they won't last forever. As SOX tubes increase in cost - and production could well stop in the future - will the reduced price of LED lanterns, force a rethink? Or will Wilts retrofit LED lamps into the current residential SOX lanterns - perfectly feasible, and replace the much smaller number of remaining main road SOX lanterns with LED?

Author:  sotonsteve [ Sat Aug 05, 2017 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

Already the cost of main road SOX lamps may be more than a replacement lantern.

Wiltshire and Swindon have some of the more traditional street lighting in southern England. Wiltshire have tried to save some money through installation of a CMS, but neither councils have made any pledges towards LED. Give it a couple more years and I think things may change.

Author:  Phosco152 [ Thu Dec 21, 2017 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

The first LED lantern was fitted in my village this morning. A Luma Mini has replaced a Beta 5. Another Beta 5 had been repaired a few months ago, possibly as it was part night, and therefore not justifying the cost of a new lantern. The Luma replaces an all night lantern.

Author:  Phosco152 [ Sun May 27, 2018 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

SOX still lingers on in Somerset.  In Frome, this GR100 , is a Davis Chalmit Mk3 version rather than the original Eleco type. GRP canopy rather than die cast aluminium and a re-shaped bowl. 90W SOX on wall bracket. The other metalwork used to hold a pub sign up. Pub now closed.

Author:  sotonsteve [ Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

FOI request, made to Wiltshire Council earlier this year:

Quote:
Programme and proposals for full LED roll out currently being developed.


Hmm, that's an interesting "watch this space".

Author:  sotonsteve [ Sat Nov 10, 2018 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

Wiltshire is going to go LED (news article, report).

In switching LED, part night operation is going to be stopped. Instead, the new LED lighting will be subject to dimming between 8pm and 6am, and dimmed even further after 11pm. The report suggests that if any areas specifically request that they want part night lighting to be retained, it would be considered.

Suggestion is that conversions could potentially start next year. The payback period of the investment will be a lengthy 12 years. There is also mention that Swindon Borough Council is investigating an LED rollout, which is the first mention I have seen of this.

Author:  Phosco152 [ Mon Dec 24, 2018 9:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

This pole mounted Beta 5 on the A36 at West Wellow hasn't been the most reliable, it was out a few winters ago and has failed again. Unusually despite looking "parish" its actually Highways England maintained.

It has now been replaced with a 2nd hand Iridium - and what looks to be the SGS254 large size one, running SON. How old fashioned!

It certainly looked more like 100W rather 70W. I bet the householders behind aren't impressed, and twice the circuit wattage as well. Given the rest of the road is unlit, I would have thought there would be plenty of time to source the most appropriate lantern (20W LED), rather than fitting "any old lantern".

Author:  sotonsteve [ Wed Dec 26, 2018 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

Looking at the footways in the middle of the roundabouts in Salisbury, Highways England are sourcing any old lantern for those, as they have used medium Iridiums on 5m columns there.

Author:  Phosco152 [ Mon Feb 25, 2019 5:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: South West Discussion

sotonsteve wrote:
Wiltshire is going to go LED (news article, report).

In switching LED, part night operation is going to be stopped. Instead, the new LED lighting will be subject to dimming between 8pm and 6am, and dimmed even further after 11pm. The report suggests that if any areas specifically request that they want part night lighting to be retained, it would be considered.

Suggestion is that conversions could potentially start next year. The payback period of the investment will be a lengthy 12 years. There is also mention that Swindon Borough Council is investigating an LED rollout, which is the first mention I have seen of this.


The LED investment has been approved. Work is about to start imminently in Chippenham as a 3 to 4 month pilot to see what issues are encountered. Additional short term manpower is being hired in for the program. Salisbury will follow after Chippenham.  There has been discussion whether deeply rural areas with small amounts of lighting will be a cost effective investment - new lanterns and planned extension of the CMS, LED retrofits may be an alternative. However lower costs for future maintenance (with all new equipment) may be the deciding factor.

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