Coin Slot Meter [Venner]
Maker and role
Venner Time Switches Limited, Manufacturer
Jas. J Niven and Company Limited, Marketed by
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Object detail
Accession number
2011.137
Production period
Description
A cast iron, cube shaped AC meter with a small glass window and dial to turn the coin. 250-250 (clock) volt, 10 ampere. Before the introduction of Alternating Current (AC) power these coin slot meters were used in boarding houses, public halls, and in some domestic homes. They were often mounted on a wall just inside the front door. A pre-decimal shilling coin (10 cents) was inserted into the slot at the top right. The key below the slot was turned clockwise to activate the meter. This would allow a shillings worth of electricity to be used. (e.g. 1 Shilling buys 10 Kwh's) The meter automatically recorded each coin deposited and the power board would collect the accumulated coins each month. Payment was commonly referred to as ‘feeding the meter’.
Marks
Made in England by Venner Limited/ Sole Distributers for New Zealand/ JAS. J. Niven & Co. Ltd./ Auckland Wellington Christchurch Dunedin Label
Venner time switch/ No. F04743 Owners No. / AMPS 10 VOLTS 200-250 ~ 50/ type BRM clock volts 200-250/ Made In England Maker's Mark
Venner time switch/ No. F04743 Owners No. / AMPS 10 VOLTS 200-250 ~ 50/ type BRM clock volts 200-250/ Made In England Maker's Mark
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Venner Time Switches Limited et al. Coin Slot Meter [Venner], 2011.137. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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