VIDEO Melbourne Mercury Arc Rectifier substation 2006

During a 2006 visit to Melbourne's tram system, I had the pleasure of a tour of the two substations on the network that were still using mercury arc rectifier equipment, at West Brunswick and Maribyrnong. This is a short video showing the tubes in action at both locations- be sure to turn up the audio for the full experience of the electrical "hum" present inside the substation.

For more information on the Melbourne tram system substations check out: www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/substations.htm

Developed in the early 1900's, the mercury arc rectifier tube was one of the primary means of AC to DC rectification prior to the advent of semiconductor diodes. These particular substations in Melbourne took in high voltage AC power and converted it to 600 v DC power for use by the trams.

I believe that the two substations I saw during my visit have since had the mercury arc rectifier equipment decommissioned, although there are several still functional in tram museums including the one in Brisbane. www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org/elect_hist.php

Taken on: August 29, 2016

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