Explosion Danger

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 1, 2 January 1941, Page 7

Explosion Danger

SAFER LIGHTING SOUGHT Many users of electric lamps will have wondered whether the hot filaments are liable to cause fires when the bulbs are broken by explosions. Experiment' shows that a lighted filament lamp does not eaisly set fire to cotton wool when broken in contact with it, so the ordinary lamp is relatively safe in domestic surroundings. But it is more daugerous when in contact w’ith explosive dust or vapours. According to tho Electric Times, tho United {States Navy is experimenting with mercury fluorescent lamps for illuminating powder magazines. In these lamps the inner surface of the tubo is covered with a powder which fluoresces under the influence of the •invisible ultra-violet rays emitted by the excited mercury vapour. Thus energy which would otherwise be lost is converted into visible light. Ordinary electric lamps in battleships and submarines are liable to be broken by the concussion of gunfire oi depth charges, and their exposed filaments might ignite stray powder. Fluorescent lamps emit much less heat and under these conditions are safer. They may also be useful in mines, gasworks, petrol factories, hydrogen plants, and other places subject to the presence of explosive dust or gas.