This mercury (Hg) rectifier is still in use at Auckland's MOTAT museum where it serves the museum tram line.<br />I took the video through the glass door and unfortunately there is a little bit of reflection and it is a bit dark.<br />The voices heard are from a TV nearby, talking about new diesel engine techniques.<br />These rectifiers are impressive to look at, and to observe the green spot on top of the mercury pool underneath the UV blue glow of the octopus like bulb capsule.<br />If you are visiting Auckland. The MOTAT museum is a great place to visit and absorb the technology from the bygone days.<br />MOTAT ( Museum Of Transport And Technology )<br /><br />Link how it works:<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_arc_valve<br /><br />TRAMWAY POWER SUPPLY<br />Mercury Arc Rectifier, Distribution Panel & Circuit Breakers. The power supply for the tramway is via a Hackbridge step-down transformer, Hewittic mercury-arc rectifier, distribution and fault-protection panel. Input is at 6600volts AC and output is at 550volts DC. The supply has a capacity of 675kW (approx 900hp) and can be seen in operation next to the Pumphouse. It was formerly installed (in 1951) at the Dominion Road sub-station of the Auckland Electric Power Board to supply trolleybuses in the Mt Roskill area.
