History of Electricity

Ben Franklin and his studies

Jan 1, 1747

Benjamin Franklin experiments with static charges in the air and theorized about the existence of an electrical fluid that could be composed of particles. William Watson discharged a Leyden jar through a circuit, that began the comprehension of current and circuit. Henry Cavendish started measuring the conductivity of different materials.

Ben Franklin's Lightning rod

Jan 1, 1752

Benjamin Franklin invented the lightening rod - he demonstrated lightning was electricity.

Batteries

Jan 1, 1800

First electric battery invented by Alessandro Volta. Volta proved that electricity could travel over wires.

DTE?

Jan 1, 1816

First energy utility in US founded.

Electric motor

Jan 1, 1821

First electric motor invented by Michael Faraday.

1826

Jan 1, 1826

Ohms Law written by Georg Simon Ohm states that "conduction law that relates potential, current, and circuit resistance"

Electromagnetism

Jan 1, 1831

Principles of electromagnetism induction, generation and transmission discovered by Michael Faraday.
1837

EEL Co.

Jan 1, 1878

Edison Electric Light Co. (US) and American Electric and Illuminating (Canada) founded.

More Eddison

Jan 1, 1878

First commercial power station opens in San Francisco, uses Charles Brush generator and arc lights. First commercial arc lighting system installed, Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas Edison demonstrates his incandescent lamp, Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Grand Rapids is Important

Jan 1, 1880

First power system isolated from Edison. In Grand Rapids Michigan: Charles Brush arc light dynamo driven by water turbine used to provide theater and storefront illumination.

Electric Transformer

Jan 1, 1883

The electric transformer is invented. Thomas Edison introduces the "three-wire" transmission system.

Steam Turbine

Jan 1, 1884

Steam turbine invented by Charles Parsons.

AC is invented

Jan 1, 1886

William Stanley develops transformer and Alternating Current electric system. Frank Spraguebuilds first American transformer and demonstrates use of step up and step down transformers for long distance AC power transmission in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. TheWestinghouse Electric Company is organized. 40 to 50 water powered electric plants reported on line or under construction in the U.S. and Canada.1887 In San Bernadino, California, the High Grove Station, first hydroelectric plant in the

Tesla's AC generator

Jan 1, 1888

Rotating field AC alternator invented by Nikola Tesla.

Home Electricity

Jan 1, 1891

60 cycle AC system introduced in U.S.

Electron discovery

Jan 1, 1897

Electron discovered by J. J. Thomson.