Electricity has become so commonplace that it’s easy to forget the lengthy journey it took to harness this elemental power. Learn the background of electricity to gain a deeper appreciation for how miraculous the whole system is the next time your electrician comes by. 

How Was Electricity Discovered?

The earliest understandings of electricity came from a surprising source: fish. Early naturalists had observed that electric fish could produce a shock, and it was even recommended that individuals with migraines touch these fish to stimulate their brains back to normalcy.

Not until Ben Franklin’s famous kite experiment centuries later was anyone able to demonstrate that certain natural elements, such as lightning, were electrical. In 1752, he attached a piece of wire to a kite to serve as a lightning rod in a thunderstorm. The electricity was then conducted through a string and a key into a special jar that could store a charge.  

What Was the Big Breakthrough? 

One of the greatest moments in the history of electricity arrived when inventor and one of the first electricians Thomas Edison designed a working light bulb in 1879. Before his ingenious filament-based system, scientists had known about electricity, but had not figured out practical ways to use it. Edison’s discovery set the stage for not only modern lighting, but also the development of vast regional power grids, such as in Niagara Falls, to support these new units. In the years that followed, poles and lines sprang up throughout the nation as a larger network developed. 

What Is the Main Driver of Innovation Today?

In a world where electricity is abundant and easy to generate, the goal is efficiency and sustainability. Instead of using coal or natural gas to produce electricity, research and investments have been pooled toward greener fuel sources such as wind turbines and solar power.

The next time you need electrical services, reach out to the electricians at AA Electric in Honolulu, HI. With clients that have included everyone from the federal government to individual homeowners, these licensed electricians have completed long-lasting repairs and installations since 1947. Make an appointment with the veteran staff by calling (808) 841-4131, or request a free quote through the website.