Commemorative Electrical Knife Switch
Production date
Circa 1902
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Object detail
Accession number
2006.66
Production period
Description
A knife switch made of solid silver-plated steel with a black wooden handle. The knife lever is held down by a pair of springs, one on either side which, in turn, are fixed to the lower segment which sits into a pair of metal slots attached to the marble base. The marble base is fixed to a solid wooden base with 4 round legs. In the centre of the base are 2 terminals with hexagonal nuts around them.
Brief History
This Knife Switch is a commemorative switch used at the opening of the Auckland Electric Trams in 1902 by the then Mayor of Auckland, Mr Alfred Kidd (1851-1917). Operated by the Auckland Electric Tram Company, the Auckland system was officially opened on 17 November 1902 with the public service commencing on 23 November 1902. The Switch was used to symbolically turn on the electricity to the tram overhead lines.
In 1980 this Switch was again used to commemorate a tramway opening, this time the MOTAT Western Springs Tramway, which opened on 19 December 1980. The tramline connected MOTAT (MOTAT 1 site) to the Zoo and was an opportunity for a number of the restored Trams to operate again.
In 1980 this Switch was again used to commemorate a tramway opening, this time the MOTAT Western Springs Tramway, which opened on 19 December 1980. The tramline connected MOTAT (MOTAT 1 site) to the Zoo and was an opportunity for a number of the restored Trams to operate again.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Circa 1902. Commemorative Electrical Knife Switch, 2006.66. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Thank you for this information.
- MOTAT Curatorial Research posted 3 years ago.
This knife switch was ceremonially used to turn on the then new Hobson Street power station in 1902, which powered the Auckland Electric Tramway from that year.
- David Cawood posted 3 years ago.
Description is incorrect ! The knife switch is closed by pushing down or in on the handle. The springs are for when opening the switch it pulls on the springs which give a quick clack action to the opening , thus stopping or minimising the arc. ( for DC use )
- Steve Miller posted 3 years ago.