When Did Electricity Become Commonly Used?

Electricity is the invisible force that makes our modern world possible. It’s responsible for powering the lights we switch on at night and the devices we rely on daily for work and entertainment.

The impact of electricity on society is nothing short of revolutionary, as it changed how we live, work, and connect with each other. We use electricity every second of every day to the point where doing without it would be next to impossible.

But when did this life-changing technology become a common part of everyday life?

The journey of electricity from a scientific curiosity to a universal necessity took centuries. This article explores the timeline of electricity’s first use to its current prominence, tracing its path from early experiments to widespread adoption across the globe.

Early Discoveries and Experiments with Electricity

Ancient Greece

The story of electricity begins with ancient observations and early theories that hint at its existence. As early as 600 B.C., Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus noticed that rubbing amber against fur created a mysterious force that could attract small objects. We now know that this is static electricity.

These early encounters with electricity were intriguing but largely unexplained until much later.

The 1700s

The 18th century saw a significant leap in our understanding of electricity thanks to some experiments. Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment in 1752 demonstrated that lightning was a form of electricity, sparking widespread interest in the phenomenon.

Shortly after that, in 1800, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta developed the first electric battery, known as the voltaic pile. Volta’s invention provided a steady flow of electrical current, laying the groundwork for future innovations.

These early experiments were crucial steps in transforming electricity from a natural curiosity into a field of scientific study.

The Birth of Electrical Power Generation

The Electric Generator

The birth of electrical power generation began with a groundbreaking invention by British scientist Michael Faraday in the 1830s. Faraday discovered that moving a magnet through a coil of wire generates an electric current. This principle is now known as electromagnetic induction.

This discovery led to the creation of the electric dynamo, the first device capable of generating a continuous flow of electricity. Faraday’s invention was revolutionary, providing a reliable method to produce electricity on a larger scale, paving the way for modern electrical power systems.

Electrical Distribution

Following Faraday’s work, the late 19th century saw the first practical uses of electricity for power generation and distribution.

In 1882, Thomas Edison built the world’s first commercial power station, the Pearl Street Station, in New York City. This power station used steam engines to generate electricity, which was then distributed through an early electricity grid to power homes and businesses, primarily for lighting.

Around the same time, other innovators like Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse improved upon these systems, introducing alternating current (A.C.) technology, which allowed them to transmit electricity over longer distances.

These developments marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of electricity, turning it into a vital part of daily life.

Electricity in Homes and Businesses

Electric Lighting

Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb in 1879 and it is largely responsible for the adoption of electricity in homes and businesses. Unlike previous lighting methods like gas lamps and candles, Edison’s electric light bulb was safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient.

This invention quickly captured the public’s imagination, making electric lighting desirable in homes and businesses. Electricity demand soared, setting the stage for its broader adoption.

Electrical Infrastructure

From there, cities began developing electrical infrastructure to distribute power more widely. Utility companies were established to generate and supply electricity, with Edison’s Pearl Street Station in New York City serving as a pioneering model.

This power station provided electricity for lighting and began to power other appliances and machinery, further integrating electricity into everyday life. As the infrastructure expanded, electricity became more accessible, first in urban areas and gradually spreading to rural regions.

The rural electrification programs that started in the early 20th century are responsible for bringing electricity to remote areas, fundamentally changing people’s lives across the country. By the mid-20th century, electricity had become a common and essential part of daily life, powering homes, businesses, and industries.

Electricity Becomes Commonplace

Electrical Service Reaches Most American Homes

The 20th century marked the rapid expansion of electrical usage, transforming electricity from a luxury into a necessity.

Early in the century, officials made significant efforts to electrify rural areas, particularly in the United States, through initiatives like the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), established in 1935.

These programs brought electricity to millions of rural homes and farms, dramatically improving quality of life and productivity. At the same time, the introduction of household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and radios revolutionized domestic life.

These appliances became symbols of modern living, driving further demand for electricity as they became increasingly affordable and widespread.

Electricity Around the World

The global spread of electricity varied significantly depending on economic and technological factors.

In economically developed countries, electrification progressed rapidly, with cities and towns fully connected by mid-century.

However, in many developing regions, the adoption of electricity lagged due to limited infrastructure and resources.

By the latter half of the 20th century, international efforts and technological advancements began closing this gap, bringing electricity to previously underserved areas.

Today, while nearly every part of the world has access to electricity, disparities exist, particularly in rural and impoverished regions. Nevertheless, the 20th century laid the foundation for electricity to become a universal utility essential to daily life worldwide.

Maintaining Your Electrical System

Contact Bolt Electric

The journey of electricity from a far-fetched idea to an essential part of daily life has key milestones that have shaped modern society. From early experiments by pioneers like Benjamin Franklin and Michael Faraday to the invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas Edison, each breakthrough brought us closer to the widespread use of electricity.

You can ensure your electrical services remain in excellent condition by performing the necessary maintenance. Call Bolt Electric at 212.434.0098 to take the first steps, or sign up for a diagnostic visit online if you experience any issues.