Mar
19
2011

Who Invented Arc Lights

Sir Humphrey Davy devised the first arc light in the early 1800s using carbon electrodes. However for a long time the arc lights were a rare sight since they could be operated only by the means of expensive generators or batteries. Subsequently, many scientists improvised on the arc lamp hence facilitating its use in special places such as theatres, lighthouses etc.

The development of inexpensive sources of electricity in the latter half of the century enabled the use of arc lights on a large scale. A generator producing direct current power known as the Dynamo was one of the first developments that catapulted the chain of events. The installation of arc lights thereafter became widespread in places such as mills, factories, railway stations etc.

Arc Lights Who Invented Arc Lights

American scientists worked simultaneously to make major contributions in the improvement of arc lights. The first commercial arc lamp was made in the United States in the year 1877 by William Wallace. Around the same time, a pioneering American scientist, Charles Brush invented a way to operate multiple arc lights using a single generator thus saving on the electricity used. Many more lighting systems which went easy on power were consequently introduced.

Arc lights have come a long way today. They have now found applicability in more advanced functions like testing of aerospace materials and hardening metal surfaces rather than traditional lighting purposes for which they were originally developed.

About the Author:

Sam Reese is a web enthusiasts and blogger. He is a history student and loves to write and read histories of different things.

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