Comparison of the effectiveness and construction of Lucas and Smith warning lamps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168a\1\ img135 | |
| Date | 1st April 1939 | |
| -2- Indicating effect. The effectiveness of a warning lamp depends on its ability to attract attention when it lights up. It is perhaps a matter of opinion which is the better lamp in this respect, but we think that although the Lucas unit has a much smaller window, it is better. This is because the light given is of a more brilliant red, and therefore more likely to draw attention. At the same time the black letter on the uniform red back ground give a better appearance. Conclusions. Generally, in two less important respects, i.e. construction of the case, and method of fixing, the Lucas lamp is better. As regards the more important points of lamp-holder and contacts, type of terminals and the.r arrangement, the Smith lamp is better. Inrespect of accessibility for the purpose of changing a lamp, they are about equal, while for effectiveness, the Lucas lamp may be somewhat better. These conclusions should be checked by trial of the units on a car, subject to which and providing the price of the unit is no more, we consider the Smith lamp equally suitable for the car. If necessary Messrs. Smith may be prepared to change to a brighter shade of red for the colour of the window glass, and use black lettering. RM {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /RC. {R. Childs} | ||
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).