Description
Cable, 60-Inch Military Searchlight, P/N 8252065G12 — General Electric Model 1940–1942A Application
Item Overview
This U.S. Army electrical cable is identified by the wrapper markings “CABLE – 60" SEARCHLIGHT” and part or drawing number 8252065G12. It was supplied for the family of trailer-mounted 60-inch carbon-arc searchlight equipment made by General Electric during the early World War II period. The 60-inch figure names the diameter of the searchlight reflector; it is not the length of this cable. This listing is for the cable and any original packaging shown only, not a searchlight, control station, power plant, cable reel, or other system component.
Identification and Markings
The surviving wrapper records the cable’s military association and later handling history. Its wording should be read as package information rather than proof of the cable’s exact circuit or length. The stock number is reproduced as marked, while the supplier and depot lines preserve useful evidence of the item’s government supply history.
- Nomenclature on wrapper: CABLE – 60" SEARCHLIGHT
- Part or drawing number: 8252065G12
- Stock number on wrapper: 6240-00-440-5096
- Documented equipment family: General Electric Models 1940, 1941, 1941A, 1942, and 1942A
- Supplier marking: Army-Denn. Mfg. Co., Fram. Mass.
- Depot marking: C.G.D. ENG. SECT., COLUMBUS, OHIO
- Processing marking: PROCESSED FOR EXPORT
- Offered item: One surplus searchlight cable with the packaging shown
- Operating condition: Untested
Original Service Function
Electrical cables joined the remote elements of a military searchlight set so its light, control station, and power plant could operate as one system. The power plant supplied current, while the control equipment allowed the crew to train and elevate the light from a separated position. Part number 8252065G12 has not been located in an accessible period parts list, so this cable should not be identified as a specific power lead, control lead, or internal harness without a direct manual cross-reference or verified connector details.
Searchlight System Applications
The packaging associates this cable with the General Electric 60-inch searchlight family that included Models 1940, 1941, 1941A, 1942, and 1942A. Period Army publication indexes grouped these models together in instructions for export preparation, which closely matches the wrapper’s export-processing mark. The later Model 1942 and 1942A systems used a trailer-mounted searchlight, a separate control station, a portable generating set, and cables that let the equipment be spread across a defended position.
Cable-Set Configuration
Army instructions for 1942 searchlight equipment describe three main external cables: two single-conductor power cables, one positive and one negative, each 200 feet long, plus a 15-conductor control cable that was either 300 or 500 feet long depending on the model. The power cables ran from the generating plant to the searchlight junction box, while the control cable ran from the control-station tripod to the searchlight. These system details explain how the equipment was connected, but they do not establish which exact cable type is represented by part number 8252065G12.
Historical Background
Large carbon-arc searchlights became important military tools before World War II and remained widely used through the war. A controlled electric arc between carbon rods produced a brilliant light inside a 60-inch reflector, which formed a narrow beam that could sweep the night sky or nearby water. The mobile General Electric sets were first designed for antiaircraft work and could also support seacoast artillery missions. Depending on the site and period, crews used visual observation, sound-locator information, or radar data to guide the beam toward a target.
Historical Service Use
U.S. searchlight batteries used this class of equipment to help locate and illuminate aircraft at night so antiaircraft guns and observers could follow them. Similar sets also supported coastal and harbor defense by searching dark approaches and helping artillery crews watch assigned sectors. Searchlights, generators, control stations, and their cables were placed apart to improve operation and protection. The words “PROCESSED FOR EXPORT” indicate depot preservation or export-handling work, but they do not prove that this cable was shipped overseas or identify a receiving country.
Condition
This is an untested surplus electrical component that may show hardened or cracked insulation, surface wear, oxidation, dirt, faded markings, package damage, or other signs of age and storage. Electrical continuity, insulation resistance, connector condition, and safe operating ability have not been verified. It is best suited for collection, research, or restoration unless inspected by a qualified technician before any attempt at powered use. Only the cable and packaging shown are included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This uncommon cable is a useful original component for displays and restoration projects focused on World War II searchlight technology, Army air defense, coastal artillery, and General Electric military electrical equipment.
- General Electric 60-inch searchlight restorations
- World War II antiaircraft displays
- Seacoast artillery exhibits
- Military electrical-equipment collections
- Army engineering and depot-history displays
- Museums and educational collections
Approx length 7", Approx width 5", Approx height 4", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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