Electrical History may not be everybody's passion, but when we come across a good read, we like to share it in the hope that it will be of interest to you as well.
This report was written by David A. Dini, P.E. and is entitled, Some History of Electrical Wiring Practices in the U.S. published by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Abstract
:
 On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison exhibited his newly invented electric lighting in a few houses along a residential neighborhood in Menlo Park, New Jersey. That New Year's Eve night proved to be not only historical in terms of its significance to American ingenuity and invention, but it also signified the beginnings of residential electrification in the United States. Although originally available to only the wealthiest of families, by the turn of the century electricity in the home was becoming a reality for more and more people. This paper traces the history of some residential wiring practices from the early days of electricity into the 21st century. Wire and cable systems, overcurrent protection, raceways and boxes, wire splices and terminations, wiring devices, grounding, polarity and special protection devices are presented from the historical perspective of time, necessity, and technology. The influence of Code1 requirements and common trade practices are also presented.
Enjoy the read, and let us know your thoughts by posting a comment!
|
|
That was very interesting and it gave me a better understanding of many things in the electrical trade. It would be really neat if someone would do the same thing for electrical safety. You did something like this at one of your conferences where you showed first aid techniques from the civil war to emphasise how things change over time.,,,
Mike Holt Enterprises has been a great help to me over the years, and I can't imagine where we would be without it.
Anyway. Thanks again.
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing that article. I'm a electrical history enthusiast and enjoy saving and re-purposing vintage electrical fuse panels, fixtures and devices. This makes a good guide for our inspectors when dealing with remodel projects in older homes and provides the "why" of why it was done that way. Including the dates when various changes came into effect was quite helpful too when explaining older home wiring to customers at the front counter. Keep up the good work!
Mike,
I have been following your website for many years and I enjoy all of the articles that you pass on to us. Thank You for that. I have been in the electrical field for 40 plus years, 15 in my own business and 20 as an inspector. Any contractor who worked in northern NJ knows all too well what Kno and Tube (K&T) wiring is. It is still used today in a lot of the older homes here in our community.
Like always Mike Holt you are a Genius you offer the best information on electrical and have been doing it for many years, and for many years to come.
I really enjoyed reading this Article Thank you Mr. Holt
According to the code, on a 20 amp outlet circuit feeding a bedroom can you tap off a 15 amp lighting feed for the lighting in the room ? And will it effect the arc flash breaker ? Thank You
Thanks so much for the knowledge, passion,and teachings of the forums and newsletters you share. Me personally is still hung up on the basics but I still take a piece of everything you post to apply to my learning. Thanks again & God Speed