ERICSSON
TELEPHONE No. 2516

The wood cased instrument is designed for locations, under cover, where the telephone may be subjected to hard usage. It has accommodation for two standard dry or inert cells (which must be ordered separately when required) and incorporates a strong writing desk.

The equipment comprises a heavy duty rotating magnet generator, 2000ohm ringer, anti-side-tone induction coil with 0.4pF capacitor, line and extension bell terminals, and a modern handset. The p.v.c. insulated wiring is so arranged that a capacitor may be added in the ringer or receiver circuit if desired.

Similar sets fitted with a plunger key for party line working can also be supplied.

See also N2515 for more information.

Taken from the Ericsson (ETL) Telephone Catalogue No. 55
 

Diagram N71254 (Dated 1947), for Telephone N2516AT, states that this version was to the South African Railways specification EC2.

N2516 and N2516M2T were also supplied to the NZPO.

The N2516 range was made obsolete in 1971 and replaced by N2128, N2208 or N2908

MAGNETO, GENERAL SERVICE
Wood Cased Type - Type N2516T

There is no capacitor in series with the bell ringer, but diagram N70666 shows that provision is made for a 2uf capacitor to be connected.

The bell ringer is 2000ohms and is normally just connected across the line.

See the picture below which shows where the 2uf capacitor could be fitted.

The suffix 'T' in the model number means it is tropicalised.

Converting to work in the UK
This telephone as it stands will not work unless modified.  The generator must be isolated and the ringer circuit modified (unless a capacitor has already been fitted).  It also requires a 3volt battery for the transmitter to operate - use two U2 batteries (1.5v each) and purchase a battery holder.

1. Connect the battery holder to the - and + terminals, which will be found under the wood that is supporting the generator.
2. The red/grey wire on the generator must be removed and insulated with tape.
3. A 1.8uf capacitor must be fitted in series with the red/orange wire feeding the bell.  See picture further down the page.
4. Insert the two U2 batteries.
5. Test the batteries by lifting the handset and blowing.  You should hear yourself blowing.
6. Wire the red of a new line cord to terminal L2.
7. Wire the white of a new line cord to terminal L1.

8. Insulate the blue and green wires of the line cord with tape.

If outgoing transmission is not good quality or noisy then replace the transmitter, with a carbon transmitter and not an electronic type.

N2516T
Pictures courtesy of Thomas McGovern

The capacitor is mounted in the black tin container, which is covering the diagram at the bottom of the door
This phone is designed to allow for the capacitor to be connected

This shows the connection point of the additional capacitor
The Red/Orange wire is cut and connected to the capacitor
The capacitor in this example is a large 1950's model

MAGNETO, GENERAL SERVICE
Wood Cased Type - Type N2516HT, N2516JT and N2516J6T

These telephones are all similar to one above but the N2516JT has a calling switch on front of case.  The wiring on the N2516JT is professionally laid up and may be a special.

Diagram - N77449 (Dated 1951).

The diagram within the N2516JT telephone does not make any mention of the key on the front.

Circuit Diagram N77449

Additional Pictures

N2516JT

N2516HT

N2516P1T
With missing writing desk

The capacitor has been added locally

Last revised: April 11, 2026