The problems of public lighting by electricity

Abstract

At the commencement of this paper the author points out that very little advance has been made in public lighting and that the conditions are very similar to those which existed in 1913. He contends that the demands of modern civilization are such that the height, spacing and position of light sources should be re-arranged to avoid the use of very brilliant light sources and to reduce obstructions to vehicle and pedestrian traffic which are liable to endanger the safety of the public.For this purpose, it is proposed that the light sources should be centrally suspended at frequent intervals by means of span wires, which, in order to reduce the cost and to simplify control and maintenance, should support the conductors.Various examples of overhead suspension and of the usual method of supporting by means of columns are cited, with the object of comparing these with the suggested solution of the problem.It is pointed out that modern gasfilled electric lamps, due to their light weight and the little attention required, are specially suited to the suggested method of support, and that when combined with the necessary conductors the whole overhead equipment is inexpensive and not unsightly.Figures relating to the initial cost and operating expenses of the construction proposed by the suthor are given and are compared with the existing examples previously referred to. The second part of the paper deals with side streets, lanes, alleys and slums, which the author contends deserve immediate attention in order that the poorer classes may live under brighter conditions. In such cases he advocates a similar overhead construction at a reduced cost, which would result in increasing approximately two hundredfold the illumination at the dark parts.High roads and arterial roads passing through populated districts and used by motor traffic form the subject dealt with in the last part of the paper. The author proposes that this class be illuminated by means of highly concentrated light sources similar to motor-vehicle headlights and fixed at a considerable height to give the required vertical illumination advocated by automobile authorities, but so arranged that no illumination is required from the adjacent source, thus reducing the glare.