"It is difficult to determine exactly who discovered electricity. Many misconceptions abound, especially the belief that Benjamin Franklin is the father of electricity or some such nonsense. My apologies to the Americans who are having heart attacks right now. The truth about the discovery of electricity is a bit more complex than a man flying his kite. The Franklin experiment helped establish the connection between lightening and electricity, nothing more."- http://www.universetoday.com/82402/who-discovered-electricity/#ixzz2I0nwkXCB
"Did Edison invent the light bulb, Marconi the radio, Bell the telephone, Morse the telegraph? The answers are no. They didn't invent the wheel. They were instrumental in making it better and, in some cases, obtaining the patent. Electrical history goes back before Christ and brings us to the computer age." - http://www.code-electrical.com/historyofelectricity.html
"The history of electricity goes back more than two thousand years. The Ancient Greeks discovered that rubbing fur on amber caused an attraction between the two. By the 17th century, many electricity-related discoveries had been made, such as the invention of an early electrostatic generator, the differentiation between positive and negative currents, and the classification of materials as conductors or insulators. In the year 1600, English physician William Gilbert conned the term electric, from the Greek elektron, to identify the force that certain substances exert when rubbed against each other. Fairly recently, researchers and archeologists have
discovered pots that they believe may have been ancient batteries meant to produce light at ancient Roman sites."- http://www.universetoday.com/82402/who-discovered-electricity/#ixzz2HumxB1SV
discovered pots that they believe may have been ancient batteries meant to produce light at ancient Roman sites."- http://www.universetoday.com/82402/who-discovered-electricity/#ixzz2HumxB1SV
Below Are the years of world changing history that involved electricity for the first time ( 1752 - 1957)
1752
By tying a key onto a kite string during a storm, Ben Franklin , proved that
static electricity and lightning were the same. His correct understanding of the
nature of electricity paved the way for the future.
1800
First electric battery invented by Alessandro Volta. The “volt” is named in his
honor.
1808
Humphry Davy invented the first effective “arc lamp.” The arc lamp was a piece
of carbon that glowed when attached to a battery by
wires.
1820
Separate experiments by Hans Christian Oersted, A.M. Ampere, and D.F.G. Arago
confirmed the relationship between electricity and
magnetism.
1821
The first electric motor was invented by Michael
Faraday.
1826
Georg Ohm defined the relationship between power, voltage, current and
resistance in“Ohms Law.”
1831
Using his invention the induction ring, Michael Faraday proved that electricity
can be induced (made) by changes in an electromagnetic field. Faraday’s
experiments about how electric current works, led to the understanding of
electrical transformers and motors. Joseph Henry separately discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction but
didn’t publish his work. He also described an electric motor.
1832
Using Faraday’s principles, Hippolyte Pixii built the first “dynamo,” an
electric generator capable of delivering power for industry. Pixxi’s dynamo used
a crank to rotate a magnet around a a piece of iron wrapped with wire. Because
this devise used a coil of wire, it produced spikes of electric current followed
by no current.
1835
Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, used to send electrical currents
long distances.
1837
Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most
electrical appliances today.
1839
Sir William Robert Grove developed the first fuel cell, a device that produces electrical energy by combining hydrogen and
oxygen.
1841
James Prescott Joule showed that energy is conserved in electrical circuits
involving current flow, thermal heating, and chemical transformations. A unit of
thermal energy, the Joule, was named after
him.
1844
Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph, a machine that could send messages
long distances across wire.
1860′s
Mathematical theory of electromagnetic fields published. J.C. Maxwell created a
new era of physics when he unified magnetism, electricity and light. Maxwell’s
four laws of electrodynamics (“Maxwell’s Equations”) eventually led to electric
power, radios, and television.
1876
Charles Brush invented the “open coil” dynamo (or generator) that could produce
a study current of electricity.
1878
Joseph Swan, and Englishman, invented the first incandescent lightbulb (also
called an“electric lamp”). His lightbulb burned out
quickly.
Charles Brush developed an arc lamp that could be powered by a generator.
Thomas Edison founded the Edison Electric Light Co. (US), in New York City. He bought a
number of patents related to electric lighting and began experiments to develop a practical, long-lasting light bulb.
1879
After many experiments, Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that
could be used for about 40 hours without burning out. By 1880 his bulbs could be used for 1200 hours.
1879
Electric lights (Brush arc lamps) were first used for public street lighting, in Cleveland, Ohio.
California Electric Light Company, Inc. in San Fransicso was the first electric company to
sell electricity to customers. The company used two small Brush generators to
power 21 Brush arc light lamps.
1881
The electric streetcar was invented by E.W. v. Siemens.
1882
Thomas Edison opened th Pearl Street Power Station in New York City. The Pearl
Street Station was one of the world’s first central electric power plants and
could power 5,000 lights. The Pearl Street Station was a direct current (DC)
power system, unlike the power systems that we use today which use alternating
current (AC). The first hydroelectric station opened in Wisconsin. Edward
Johnson first put electric lights on a Christmas tree.
1883
Nikola Tesla invented the “Tesla coil”, a transformer that changes electricity
from low voltage to high voltage making it easier to transport over long
distances. The transformer was an important part of Tesla’s alternating current
(AC) system, still used to deliver electricity
today.
1884
Nikola Tesla invented the electric alternator, an electric generator that
produces alternating current (AC). Until this time electricity had been
generated using direct current (DC) from batteries. AC electrical systems are
better for sending electricity over long distances.
Steam turbine generator, capable of generating huge amounts of electricity, was
invented by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons.
1886
William Stanley developed the induction coil transformer and an alternating
current electric system.
1888
Nikola Tesla demonstrated the first “polyphase” alternating current (AC)
electrical system. His AC system including everything needed for electricity
production and use: generator, transformers, transmission system, motor (used in
appliances) and lights. George Westinghouse, the head of Westinghouse Electric
Company, bought the patent rights to the AC system.
The first use of a large windmill to generate electricity was built by inventor
Charles Brush. He used the windmill to charge batteries in the cellar of his
home in Cleveland, Ohio.
1893
The Westinghouse Electric Company used an alternating current (AC) system to
light the Chicago World’s Fair.
A 22 mile AC powerline was opened, sending electricity from Folsom Powerhouse in
California to Sacramento.
1896
An AC powerline that transmits power 20 miles from Niagra Falls to Buffalo, New
York was opened.
1897
Electron discovered by Joseph John Thomson.
1900
Highest voltage transmission line 60 Kilovolt.
1901
First power line between USA and Canada at Niagra Falls.
1902
5-Megawatt turbine for Fisk St. Station (Chicago).
1903
First successful gas turbine (France).
World’s first all turbine station (Chicago).
Shawinigan Water & Power installs world’s largest generator (5,000 Watts) and world’s
largest and highest voltage line—136 Km and 50 Kilovolts (to Montreal).
1908
Electric vacuum cleaner – J. Spangler.
Electric washing machine- A. Fisher.
1909
First pumped storage plant (Switzerland).
1911
Electric air conditioning – W. Carrier.
1913
T. Murray created the first air pollution control device, the “cinder catcher.”
Electric refrigerator – A. Goss.
1920
Federal Power Commission (FPC).
1921
Lakeside Power Plant in Wisconsin becomes the world’s first power plant to burn
only pulverized coal.
1922
Connecticut Valley Power Exchange (CONVEX) starts, pioneering interconnection between utilities.
1923
Photoelectric cells were discovered.
1928
Construction of Boulder Dam begins.
Federal Trade Commission begins investigation of holding companies.
1933
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) established.
1935
Public Utility Holding Company Act.
Federal Power Act.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bonneville Power Administration.
First night baseball game in major leagues (Reds vs. Phillies) was played in Ohio on May 24th.
1936
Highest steam temperature reaches 900 degrees Fahrenheit vs. 600 degrees Fahrenheit in early 1920s.
Boulder (Hoover) Dam was completed. A 287 Kilovolt power line stretched 266 miles to Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Rural Electrification Act.
1947
Transistor invented by scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratiories.
1953
First 345 Kilovolt transmission line.
First nuclear power station ordered in England.
1954
World’s first nuclear power plant (Russia) started generating electricity.
First high voltage direct current (HVDC) line (20 megawatts/1900 Kilovolts, 96 Km).
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 allows private ownership of nuclear reactors.
1957
Shippingport Reactor in Pennsylvania was the first nuclear power plant to provide electricity to customers in the U.S.
-http://www.thehistoricalarchive.com/happenings/57/the-history-of-electricity-a-timeline/
By tying a key onto a kite string during a storm, Ben Franklin , proved that
static electricity and lightning were the same. His correct understanding of the
nature of electricity paved the way for the future.
1800
First electric battery invented by Alessandro Volta. The “volt” is named in his
honor.
1808
Humphry Davy invented the first effective “arc lamp.” The arc lamp was a piece
of carbon that glowed when attached to a battery by
wires.
1820
Separate experiments by Hans Christian Oersted, A.M. Ampere, and D.F.G. Arago
confirmed the relationship between electricity and
magnetism.
1821
The first electric motor was invented by Michael
Faraday.
1826
Georg Ohm defined the relationship between power, voltage, current and
resistance in“Ohms Law.”
1831
Using his invention the induction ring, Michael Faraday proved that electricity
can be induced (made) by changes in an electromagnetic field. Faraday’s
experiments about how electric current works, led to the understanding of
electrical transformers and motors. Joseph Henry separately discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction but
didn’t publish his work. He also described an electric motor.
1832
Using Faraday’s principles, Hippolyte Pixii built the first “dynamo,” an
electric generator capable of delivering power for industry. Pixxi’s dynamo used
a crank to rotate a magnet around a a piece of iron wrapped with wire. Because
this devise used a coil of wire, it produced spikes of electric current followed
by no current.
1835
Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, used to send electrical currents
long distances.
1837
Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most
electrical appliances today.
1839
Sir William Robert Grove developed the first fuel cell, a device that produces electrical energy by combining hydrogen and
oxygen.
1841
James Prescott Joule showed that energy is conserved in electrical circuits
involving current flow, thermal heating, and chemical transformations. A unit of
thermal energy, the Joule, was named after
him.
1844
Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph, a machine that could send messages
long distances across wire.
1860′s
Mathematical theory of electromagnetic fields published. J.C. Maxwell created a
new era of physics when he unified magnetism, electricity and light. Maxwell’s
four laws of electrodynamics (“Maxwell’s Equations”) eventually led to electric
power, radios, and television.
1876
Charles Brush invented the “open coil” dynamo (or generator) that could produce
a study current of electricity.
1878
Joseph Swan, and Englishman, invented the first incandescent lightbulb (also
called an“electric lamp”). His lightbulb burned out
quickly.
Charles Brush developed an arc lamp that could be powered by a generator.
Thomas Edison founded the Edison Electric Light Co. (US), in New York City. He bought a
number of patents related to electric lighting and began experiments to develop a practical, long-lasting light bulb.
1879
After many experiments, Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that
could be used for about 40 hours without burning out. By 1880 his bulbs could be used for 1200 hours.
1879
Electric lights (Brush arc lamps) were first used for public street lighting, in Cleveland, Ohio.
California Electric Light Company, Inc. in San Fransicso was the first electric company to
sell electricity to customers. The company used two small Brush generators to
power 21 Brush arc light lamps.
1881
The electric streetcar was invented by E.W. v. Siemens.
1882
Thomas Edison opened th Pearl Street Power Station in New York City. The Pearl
Street Station was one of the world’s first central electric power plants and
could power 5,000 lights. The Pearl Street Station was a direct current (DC)
power system, unlike the power systems that we use today which use alternating
current (AC). The first hydroelectric station opened in Wisconsin. Edward
Johnson first put electric lights on a Christmas tree.
1883
Nikola Tesla invented the “Tesla coil”, a transformer that changes electricity
from low voltage to high voltage making it easier to transport over long
distances. The transformer was an important part of Tesla’s alternating current
(AC) system, still used to deliver electricity
today.
1884
Nikola Tesla invented the electric alternator, an electric generator that
produces alternating current (AC). Until this time electricity had been
generated using direct current (DC) from batteries. AC electrical systems are
better for sending electricity over long distances.
Steam turbine generator, capable of generating huge amounts of electricity, was
invented by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons.
1886
William Stanley developed the induction coil transformer and an alternating
current electric system.
1888
Nikola Tesla demonstrated the first “polyphase” alternating current (AC)
electrical system. His AC system including everything needed for electricity
production and use: generator, transformers, transmission system, motor (used in
appliances) and lights. George Westinghouse, the head of Westinghouse Electric
Company, bought the patent rights to the AC system.
The first use of a large windmill to generate electricity was built by inventor
Charles Brush. He used the windmill to charge batteries in the cellar of his
home in Cleveland, Ohio.
1893
The Westinghouse Electric Company used an alternating current (AC) system to
light the Chicago World’s Fair.
A 22 mile AC powerline was opened, sending electricity from Folsom Powerhouse in
California to Sacramento.
1896
An AC powerline that transmits power 20 miles from Niagra Falls to Buffalo, New
York was opened.
1897
Electron discovered by Joseph John Thomson.
1900
Highest voltage transmission line 60 Kilovolt.
1901
First power line between USA and Canada at Niagra Falls.
1902
5-Megawatt turbine for Fisk St. Station (Chicago).
1903
First successful gas turbine (France).
World’s first all turbine station (Chicago).
Shawinigan Water & Power installs world’s largest generator (5,000 Watts) and world’s
largest and highest voltage line—136 Km and 50 Kilovolts (to Montreal).
1908
Electric vacuum cleaner – J. Spangler.
Electric washing machine- A. Fisher.
1909
First pumped storage plant (Switzerland).
1911
Electric air conditioning – W. Carrier.
1913
T. Murray created the first air pollution control device, the “cinder catcher.”
Electric refrigerator – A. Goss.
1920
Federal Power Commission (FPC).
1921
Lakeside Power Plant in Wisconsin becomes the world’s first power plant to burn
only pulverized coal.
1922
Connecticut Valley Power Exchange (CONVEX) starts, pioneering interconnection between utilities.
1923
Photoelectric cells were discovered.
1928
Construction of Boulder Dam begins.
Federal Trade Commission begins investigation of holding companies.
1933
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) established.
1935
Public Utility Holding Company Act.
Federal Power Act.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bonneville Power Administration.
First night baseball game in major leagues (Reds vs. Phillies) was played in Ohio on May 24th.
1936
Highest steam temperature reaches 900 degrees Fahrenheit vs. 600 degrees Fahrenheit in early 1920s.
Boulder (Hoover) Dam was completed. A 287 Kilovolt power line stretched 266 miles to Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Rural Electrification Act.
1947
Transistor invented by scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratiories.
1953
First 345 Kilovolt transmission line.
First nuclear power station ordered in England.
1954
World’s first nuclear power plant (Russia) started generating electricity.
First high voltage direct current (HVDC) line (20 megawatts/1900 Kilovolts, 96 Km).
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 allows private ownership of nuclear reactors.
1957
Shippingport Reactor in Pennsylvania was the first nuclear power plant to provide electricity to customers in the U.S.
-http://www.thehistoricalarchive.com/happenings/57/the-history-of-electricity-a-timeline/