Thomas Edison made huge strides for the world when he invented the light bulb. Born on February 11, 1847 in Ohio, today we celebrate the man and his inventions.
Edison’s Lightbulb
Thomas Edison spent some of his early years in the formal school system. However, most of his education was completed at home. He even set up a lab in his family’s home when they lived in Michigan and spent most of his spare time experimenting. His mother supported his love of chemistry and electronics. He performed every experiment he could find.
From 1878 to 1880, Edison and his associates worked on over 3,000 theories to develop an efficient incandescent lamp. His most successful lamp had a filament inside a glass bulb that was vacuum sealed. This experiment would eventually make electric bulbs available and suitable for home use.
“The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments,” he wrote. “I was never myself discouraged, or inclined to be hopeless of success. I cannot say the same for all my associates.”
Historians claim there were over 20 inventors of incandescent lamps prior to Edison’s version. However, Edison is often credited with the invention. His version was able to outshine the earlier versions because of a combination of three factors: an effective incandescent material, a higher vacuum, and a high resistance that made power distribution from a centralized source affordable.
Tim Kyle Electric
In need of an electrician? Contact Tim Kyle Electric. No job is too small. We give 100% to every light bulb change, just as we do to a remodeling or rewiring project. We strive to make the experience of inviting us into your home comfortable, dare we even say enjoyable. When you have something that isn’t working right, or you want to make changes to your electrical system, call Tim Kyle Electric for the help you need.