The History of Electricity

Every day, your home and workplace depend on having access to a safe and reliable electrical system. It can be hard for modern homeowners and businesses to imagine life without electricity. At Mr. Electric, we offer premium commercial and residential electrical services for clients in Katy and Houston, Texas and surrounding metro area communities. We enjoy helping our customers understand their electrical system, and we want to help you do the same. Have you often wondered how electricity developed? Here are some fun and interesting facts about the history of electricity. 

The Earliest Electrical Discoveries 

In 500 BC, Thales of Miletus rubbed a piece of amber on fur and made the first known recorded electrical discovery. It would take more than 2,000 years for the first theories about electricity as we view it today to be formally written down. It was at this time that William Gilbert published De Magnete and William Boyle published Experiments and Notes about the Mechanical Origin of Production of Electricity. 

The Rivalry of AC/DC and 20th Century Technological Advancements

Just a few hundred years later, in 1882, a home in Appleton, Wisconsin became the first property in America to be powered by electricity using a direct current system. As electrical power became more popular, a rivalry developed between Thomas Edison’s DC system and Nikola Tesla’s AC system. It was the latter that eventually became the favored option, since AC provided a more affordable and accessible way to distribute power to large metropolitan areas. At first, home electrical systems were volatile, relying on materials such as bare copper wires, wooden fuse blocks and cotton insulation. As time moved on, manufacturing improved and so did the safety and security of electrical systems across the US. By 1965, the arrival of grounded wires and new governmental regulations paved the way for our more dependable modern grid. 

Modern Electricity and the Future 

The power of electricity has carried us through the industrial era, well into the emerging information age. The rapid technological advancements of the past century have only been possible due to electricity and the marvels that surfaced as a result. Today, families and businesses across all industries continue to use electricity to fuel their productivity. From smart appliances to high tech rocket ships, we are always on the edge of discovering new ways to use our growing knowledge of electrical power to reach new heights. 

Are You Looking for a Qualified and Experienced Local Electrician? Call Mr. Electric Today 

While electricity has become an extremely important convenience for modern property owners, it can be frustrating to deal with an electrical system that is outdated or damaged. If you’re struggling with wiring issues, outlet problems, broken light switches or other electrical issues, give us a call. The certified, licensed and insured electricians at Mr. Electric are always ready to come to the rescue. Contact our office for more details about our commercial and residential services or to schedule a time to meet with an experienced local electrician in Houston, Katy, Cypress, Texas or a nearby neighborhood.