TitleTriple-dial Ayrton Shunt, H W Sullivan About this objectCommonly referred to as a universal or parallel shunt, this device was used as an active component of galvanometer to increase their testing range without affecting other variables. While galvanometers were used to calibrate magnets and measure magnetic fields, the Ayrton shunts helped increase measuring sensitivity and the range of galvanometers, though rarely for currents over 10 amps.
H. W. Sullivan Ltd. was largely known for the manufacture of precision electrical instruments, including telegraph signalling equipment, Wheatstone and Kelvin bridges and standard resistors, capacitors, and electronic test equipment. The account from an ex-employee who worked there during the 1950s-60s threw light on the quaint design of this object – ‘Sullivan’s did virtually everything inhouse, carpenters would make beautiful teak boxes to house instruments, a French polisher would add his finish, metal workers would cut machine parts from steel, aluminium, copper, brass, phosphor bronze. The boxes for most large instruments would have an inner liner of copper to act as an electrical screen, and these would fit so perfectly, they often slid slowly down into the box under their own weight, pushing the air out as they went.’ (Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History) Object No.99.85CreatorH W Sullivan Ltd.Inscriptions & marksH.W. SULLIVAN, 19 Gt WINCHESTER STREET, LONDON, E.CDimensionsH: 127mm
W: 345mm
D: 200mmPlace madeLondonSourceLa Perouse MuseumOn displayNoTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesScience and communication
H W Sullivan Ltd., Triple-dial Ayrton Shunt, H W Sullivan. Randwick City Council, accessed 20/01/2026, https://ourstory.randwick.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/12401
