GEC Z9454 90w SOX lantern. A popular sodium lantern to be found all over the UK, the design of which originated in the 1950's. Sold as either a remote geared lantern (Z9454), or as a 'geared' lantern (Z9464), the fitting was available for either a top-entry or side-entry mounting.

Following the closure of GEC in the late 1980's, the lantern continued production with Siemens, as their MRL90. Siemens later sold their streetlighting interests to Whitecroft Road and Tunnel Lighting ( WRTL), Tipton, West Midlands, where the MRL 90 continued in production until 2004-5.

There are two Z9454 remote-geared lanterns in the collection: The first lantern came from Wolverhampton some years ago and is an earlier version having no NEMA socket fitted to it remains in original condition, although it's a little grubby. The second lantern came from somewhere Staffordshire in 2004 and has a factory fitted NEMA Socket for one-part photocell operation. For some reason best known to the manufacturers, the Z9454 and later Whitecroft MRL90s all appear to have NEMA sockets that have been mounted in an off-set position from the centre of the canopy.

Two views showing the Z9454 from Staffordshire in acquired condition; the off-set NEMA socket is clearly visible in the picture of the opened lantern.

Access to this lantern is made by releasing a spring-steel clip under the side rim of the canopy, allowing the bowl to hinge down on its side mounted hinges (see photo). Once opened, the bowl can easily be removed in this position for cleaning or replacement. With the Z9454 being a remote-geared lantern, the interior of the lantern is sparce and quite roomy, with the lamp set low into the bowl.

A GEC Z9454 90-watt SOX lantern 'dayburning' in Nottingham in July 2005.