Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;RZ-368
Type of Object
Mine
Description
Short description
The thermostat was composed of a steel rod on which the plastic housing for electronics and steel handle with spring are screwed. A glass dose with mercury is attached to the steel handle. Two cables, covered with rubber, lead from the dose and the plastic housing. The housing and the dose are connected with the third cable. The object has the following markings: On the side with the steel spring retainer: ISKRA; 30...120°C. On top of the steel spring retainer: ≈ 80 C. On the plastic part: 20/15 A-220/330 V; METALFLEX. On the class dose with mercury: 10A - typ Hg 10/1 / MADE IN YUGOSLAVIA.
Measures
Length 36 cm, width 4 cm, height 8 cm.
Materials
Steel, plastic, rubber, mercury, glass.
Dating
1960s, 1970s
Author / Producer
Iskra (location unknown, Yugoslavia), plastic part – Metalflex (Tolmin).
Picture attachments
Original use
The thermostat was component part of a water heater. These objects demonstrate merely a single example of mercury use in a household on an everyday basis. In recent years, mercury is being replaced with less toxic alternatives.
Present use
The described object is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the mining collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display “Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén”. The described object represents the characteristics and the versatile use of mercury in science, technology, medicine, culture and every day life. It can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.
Original location
Private use (Idrija).
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén, showroom 4).
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The described object is being appropriately preserved. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible: