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APPENDIX A-23

Series Circuits for Street Lighting


Series circuits for street lighting have been predominate in the past for three
reasons: 1. When electric street lighting was first introduced it was almost entirely
arc lighting. The arc lamp is inherently a constant-current device and consequently
gives its best operation and greatest efficiency on the constant-current series circuit.
2. In many areas, the street lighting antedated the general use of electricity in homes
by a considerable period; the series circuit is the most simple and efficient method
of supplying energy to comparatively small units sparsely located over a wide area.
3. A separate system of distribution furnishes a convenient means of control from the
central station.
The advantages of the series system are as follow:
1. In the smaller sizes, incandescent lamps for series service are more efficient than
the multiple lamps. In all sizes, lamps operated on constant-current circuits have
better light-output maintenance characteristics.
2. The rated life of series lamps is about one-third longer than that of comparable
multiple lamps.
3. The smaller sizes of series lamps are more rugged than the multiple type.
4. The filament in a series lamp approximates more closely a point light source and
therefore the light may be controlled more accurately.
5. Since series lamps are rated in lumen output, this allows contracts with cities
to be made on a fixed output basis.
6. A properly installed series circuit affords freedom from voltage variations and
voltage drop.
Multiple Circuits for Street Lighting
Multiple circuits for street lighting are gaining in favor primarily because of
greater economies in installation. With the high density of transformers and low-
voltage networks now found in the modern city, short secondaries can be obtained at
most any point. The advantages of this type of circuit are as follows:
1. In the larger sizes the multiple lamps are slightly more efficient than even the
high-current series lamps. A greater differential in favor of the multiple lamps is
shown when the series lamps are charged with a loss of about 7 per cent occurring
in their individual transformers.
2. The flexibility of the multiple distribution permits ihe easy addition of more
lamps or the substitution of larger lamps.
3. The transforming equipment and fixtures are simpler and lower in cost.
4. There is pressing need for central station space now occupied by special trans-
formers and for ducts now filled with series cables.
5. A duplicate distribution system is eliminated.
6. The load factor of existing multiple circuits is improved.
7. Multiple lamps are less expensive to manufacture and, therefore, are lower in
cost.
8. The possibility of simultaneous burning out of large numbers of lamps is elim-
inated.
9. The use of mercury and sodium lamps requires transformers to provide the
higher voltage necessary to start. On series systems this requires excess regulator
capacity which results in higher installation cost. With most discharge-type lamps,
starting equipment is required. The constant-voltage multiple circuit is the most
economical arrangement for this operation.
10. Because of operation at lower voltages, cable cost and installation are less
expensive.
The multiple-circuit installation then becomes a typical installation as outlined
for other types of lighting. For protection of the individual street-lighting standards
a fuse frequently is installed in the base, in the space usually taken by series cutouts
or transformer equipment. All wiring in run with standard 600-volt insulated wire,
which is available in many types and sizes.

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