Willis Lamm's Traffic Signal Collection (And Street Lights Too) Clicking on a picture will bring up a larger view in a new window.   Westinghouse AK-10 Street Light

Westinghouse was a major manufacturer of street lights in the 1940s and 1950s. A popular design was their AK-10 luminaire." The AK-10 had a relatively shallow bowl refractor. However gumball, semi-teardrop and teardrop refractors would fit into Westinghouse's designs. This reflector is slightly larger than that found in common NEMA style gumballs and accommodated higher intensity lights. It attaches to the luminaire by means of three J-slots that fit around pins. The reflector is prevented from turning and coming loose by means of a set screw. The refractor has a latch and hinge to accommodate lamp changes. This particular luminaire was salvaged from a dumpster and the refractor was broken. I was able to acquire a new "aftermarket" Westinghouse spec replacement refractor.

Distinctive "bee hive" crown.

In 1949 Westinghouse introduced a "Latch-On" version of this lamp that had, in addition to the hinged refractor for ease of lamp changing, standard NEMA latches instead of the J-slot mouonting system. This newer design allowed the reflector / refractor could be interchanged with other NEMA style luminaires.

Fitting the refractor to the hinge band.	Classic U-bolt to secure to the arm.
Inside view of J-slots, pins and set screw.	Outside view of set screw.

One of the issues that confronts collectors, businesses and municipalities alike is the energy costs associated with incandescent lighting. Energy costs drove the conversion to mercury vapor, then to high pressure sodium, then to metal-halide, then to LED illumination. A lot of classic and decorative luminaires were lost in these transitions, and some manufacturers are making a great deal of money off new "retro" designs. I've used old street lights for area lighting around the ranch and my home for years, using CFL replacements for incandescent bulbs. However for a long time the available light output from CFLs was limited. TCP now produces a CFL that is equivalent to a 300 watt incandescent lamp, produces 4200 lumens of light, and consumes only 68 watts of power. Behind a refractor this CFL produces very realistic looking "classic" illumination. Such innovations may preserve the continued use of vintage luminaires in regular outdoor nighttime service.

The 300w equivalent CFL.

The lamp illuminated with the CFL.

In service as a security and driveway light.

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Westinghouse Mini Pendant Street Light