Mike Holt Enterprises Electrical News Source

Some History of Residential Wiring Practices in the US

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!

Comments
  • 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!

    Jim Decker  October 15 2018, 3:22 pm EDT

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