Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is one of the most life-changing inventions in human history as it has brought about the advancement of technology and engineering. Without electricity and electric motors, our daily lives would not be what it is today.

Hatten Electric Service & Bak-Vol in Hastings, NE, shares with us some cool facts about electricity:

• The world “electricity” came from the Greek word “elektron” which means amber.

• Electricity travels at the speed of light, which is about 186,000 miles per second.

• When you rub objects together, static electricity is produced. This is why you sometimes get a shock when walking across a carpet or why a balloon might stick to your hair after you rub it.

• The human heartbeat is powered by electricity that runs through the body. That’s how electrocardiogram (ECG) machines are able to check the condition of your heart, by measuring the electricity that flows through it.

• Electricity is measured in volts. A taser emits 50,000 volts while a lightning bolt has about 100 million volts. Electric eels can produce about 500 volts or more.

• Coal is the world’s largest source of energy for producing electricity. In fact, the U.S. produced trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2015 and 33% of that energy came from coal.

• American inventor William Morrison invented the first successful electric car in 1891.

• Electric motors are powered by direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) and use the power of electromagnetic fields.

• The first domestic items powered by electricity were the sewing machine, fan, kettle, and toaster.

It’s difficult to imagine life if the advancement in technology caused by the discovery of electricity didn’t happen. Electrical appliances and other machines would not have been here to make our lives easier. With over 50 years of experience in electric motors and mechanical repair, the experts at Hatten Electric Service & Bak-Vol are trusted in Hastings. Call them at (402) 463-4596 or visit their website for more information.