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).
Insulated ignition switch for a steering column, recommending its standardisation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 31\2\ Scan030 | |
| Date | 12th August 1915 | |
| To J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} } from Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} ~~R.{Sir Henry Royce}~~ Copy to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} ~~By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}~~ ~~Ne.~~ Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}/Hy{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}2/L12815. August 12th. 1915. Report on Insulated Ignition Switch for Steering Column. X.1413. This ignition switch is similar to the present standard switch except that it has two contacts instead of one. This avoids earthing the current by the switch and so does away with the danger of starting the engine by switching on the lamps when the ignition is worked from the same battery as the lights, and there happens to be an earth in the lighting system, as sometimes occurs. To run from the 12 volt lighting battery an additional two-way switch is necessary so as to use each half of the battery in turn. Of course a 6 volt coil is essential with this arrangement. The scheme is good and has worked well on 1926 car for 4400 miles. I recommend it for standardisation but a good two-way switch should be either made or bought. The one we have used is not a very high class one although it has not given any trouble. The advantage of the system is that it does away with the necessity of carrying ignition batteries, the 12 volt lighting battery being used for both purposes. This is assuming of course that electric light is fitted to the car as it is in most cases. contd HHS | ||