Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.033 |
Object Name |
Insulator |
Title |
White Cylindrical Porcelain Lamp Socket |
Description |
This is a white cylindrical-shaped porcelain lamp socket. The top of the socket is open, revealing the inside. There are four holes on the bottom of the socket, with an elevated area around one of the holes inside. On the bottom of the socket, there is also an elevated area around three of the holes. An embossed inscription on the bottom reads, "1500W. USA. 600V." The letters "USA" are positioned on the elevated section of the bottom. Accompanying the item is a note that reads: "VITREOUS ELECTRICAL INSULATING PORCELAIN. THIS illustrates a railway signal base of 'Nu Blac' body and glazed black. This material was developed in order to meet an increasing demand for a material that could take a good uniform black glaze and have high dielectric and mechanical strength. Many manufacturers are now substituting this material for others because it does not show discolorations due to handling in assembly. This material can be molded as easily as our regular white electrical porcelain. Manufactured by THE STAR PORCELAIN COMPANY. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. Established 1899." Although the note references a specific porcelain material, this item does not appear to be the same piece discussed in the note. According to the Potteries of Trenton Society and D.V. Abramson and T. Karschner's book An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey, The Star Porcelain Company operated in Trenton, New Jersey from 1900 to 2002. The company was known for its specialized manufacturing of electrical porcelain, which led to rapid growth during its first two decades. By the late 1970s, they were still producing electrical porcelain before eventually ceasing operations. According to Reliance Potteries, porcelain insulators are crucial for power transmission systems. Their primary function is to prevent electrical current from leaking or short-circuiting, as porcelain is a non-conductive material. Some advantages of porcelain insulators include their ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, minimal environmental impact when disposed of, and their superior electrical strength compared to polymer insulators. Given these benefits, porcelain insulators remain a reliable choice for distributing electricity safely across power systems. According to JAMES: Custom Lamp Holder Accessories Manufacturer, porcelain lamp sockets are used in light fixtures to provide heat resistance between the electrical wiring and the light bulb itself. Citations: Abramson, D.V. and T. Karschner. 1978. An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey. On file, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (NJDEP), Trenton, New Jersey. Star Porcelain Company. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.-c). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/star-porcelain-company-2/ What are the advantages of using porcelain insulators?. Reliance Potteries. (2022, July 15). https://www.reliancepotteries.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-porcelain-insulators/ What is a porcelain lamp socket? - china light bulb socket. China light bulb socket - light bulb socket with UL. (2023, August 8). https://lightbulbsocket.com/what-is-a-porcelain-lamp-socket.html |
Year Range from |
1900 |
Year Range to |
2002 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Star Porcelain Company (Probable) |
Height (in) |
2.250 |
Diameter (in) |
2.250 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Black accretions throughout Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There are black accretions all over the bottom. Back: There are black accretions all over the bottom. Left Side: There are black accretions all over the bottom. Top: There are tiny black accretions all over the bottom of the inside. Bottom: There are black accretions all over. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Middle |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"1500W" Line 1 "USA" Line 2 "600V" Line 3 |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
White Cylinder Star Porcelain Company Watts Volts Lamp Socket Electricity Electrical Porcelain Ceramic 1600W 600V Light Light Bulb 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century 1900 2002 Trenton USA White Cylindrical Porcelain Lamp Socket |
Provenance |
Found in collection |