GEC Z5680 Lantern Installations

The GEC Z5680 was a type of "saucer" post-top lantern which was designed to run: 100W-200W GLS, 35W-55W SOX, or 80W-125W MBF. This lamp-setup designated them for group "B" lighting. The GEC Z5680 consists of a base, Perspex bowl, internal supports with a lamp-holder, and a spun aluminium hat with a thumbscrew to seal the lantern. Nowadays, the Z5680 is very rare.

Birmingham

This MBF example of the GEC Z5681 is located on Penns Lane, Birmingham. It sits at a height of 5m.

Although hard to notice here, the lantern is actually day-burning.

The columns is a Concrete Utilities "Byway NX".

Lichfield

A population of GEC Z5680s can be seen on Hawthorn Close, Lichfield. Not one of them has been replaced yet, which I hope is how it stays.

Tamworth

The GEC Z5680 is an exceptionally rare lantern, only one is known to exist in Tamworth. It bears a shocking resemblance to the Thorn Gamma Three or Five, which is what I originally thought it was until I examined the pictures when I got home. This installation is located just-off of Silver-Link Road.

I've seen this lantern ever since I was 3 years old as it was nearby to my childhood home in Cambrian, I used to walk under it every day and it reminded me of the Swizzels Double-Lollies, haha! I really hope I can save this one as it played such a huge part in my interest in lights, but either way I am happy to have pictures of it to immortalize the memories! The lantern runs a dying 80W MBF/U lamp, as seen below: