The Olden days of Electricity – See The Light

Electricity is known as the crusade or flow of electrically powered instruments. In the most common form used daily, it is generated by other energy sources (primary) therefore it is considered a secondary energy source. Today electricity signifies one of the most widely used forms of energy. Understanding its history helps us to recognize the importance of electricity conservation. 

When was electricity created?

The invention of electricity as we know it today dates back to a series of improvements or discoveries mainly back into the 1800’s. There were several key interpretations starting with static electricity as of 600 BC. From there multiple innovations took place which ultimately led to the creation and distribution of electricity that we have all become adapted to.

History of Electricity – Timeline Leading to Multiple Discoveries and Key Innovations

• Around 600 BC a Greek named Thales discovered static electricity, notion that objects can become electrically charged.
• In 1660 a machine was invented by Otto von Guericke that demonstrated static electricity.
• During 1745-46, Georg Von Kleist developed the first electric capacitor, which stored electricity.
• In 1752, Ben Franklin proved that static electricity and lightning were one of the same. This experiment is known as key tied to a kite string during a thunderstorm.
• In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery. His name was used in creation of the notion of voltage (volt).
• In 1821, the principle of electro-magnetic rotation was discovered by which later is essential for developing the electric motor.
• In 1826, the relationship between power, voltage, current and resistance was defined by Georg Ohm which is now known as Ohms Law.
• In 1831, Michael Faraday led experiments which proved that electricity can be induced by changes in an electromagnetic field. These experiments about how (electricity) current led to understanding of electrical transformers and motors.
• In 1837, the electric motor was invented by Thomas Davenport which is now common in many electrical appliances.
• In 1878-79, the Edison Electric Light Co. was founded by Thomas Edison, which after purchasing several patents, began experiments which led to the creation of a long lasting incandescent light bulb which originally lasted for about 40 hours. As of 1880, they were lasting for about 1200 hours.
• In 1879, the California Electric Light Company was founded which is known as the first company providing and selling electricity to households in San Francisco.
• In 1882, the Pearl Street Power Station in New York City was opened by Thomas Edison, which could power about 5,000 lights using direct current (DC). During the same period, the first hydroelectric station was opened in Wisconsin.
• In 1884, an electric alternator for producing alternating current (AC) was invented by Nikola Tesla. During the same period a steam turbine generator was invented by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons.
• In 1893, an alternating current (AC) system to light the Chicago World's Fair was put into place by The Westinghouse Electric Company.
• During 1895-1896, The Niagara Falls hydro-power station opened in the US.
• In 1935, the Roosevelt Administration passed the “New Deal" legislation designed to regulate public utilities and bring electricity to rural America.

 

Sources: US Department of Energy & Electricity Conservation Blog

Diwali – Celebrate it safely

Diwali a festival of Light, a day to spent a pleasant time with family & friends. Diwali is a night to overcome from the darkness to live a life of light. People rejoice this festival to share their love & affection with each other.

Diwali, along with all its glitter & sweets, brings some responsibility to our shoulders. We often do not realize the likely hazard, and therefore overlook even the most primary precautions. Caution and proper care can ensure a safe and fun-filled Diwali. So we thought of sharing with you some tips which will help you celebrate a safe & prosperous Diwali:

• Verify your Fireworks purchase - If you’re buying any firework products, check on their brand name & verify their trade marks. It is always best to purchase products with trade-mark as it guarantees the safety to certain extent. 

• Take Precaution while bursting crackers - Don’t leave kids alone. Kids often tend to go near the fireworks and hurt themselves. It is advisable to supervise their actions while bursting fire-crackers to avoid mishaps. 

• Take Care of your clothing - Choose to wear cotton dresses instead of nylon & other materials as they can easily attract fire while bursting crackers. 

• Burst Fire-crackers only on open ground - Ensure proper distance from the firecrackers. Make sure you burst the crackers away from electric poles & electric boxes to avoid calamities.

Diwali, the festival of lights, brings fun and togetherness. For children, fireworks, new clothes and sweets make this fiesta the most awaited of the year. Awkwardly, damages from fireworks spoil the fun for many families – and though Diwali is a day off for most of us, fire departments and hospitals around the country are on continuous alert to tackle the various accidents that are caused due to fireworks. 

Light up your life with Diwali! And celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Wishing you all a Happy & Safe Diwali!

World Sight Day – Take Care of your Vision

13^th of October 2011 is celebrated as World Sight Day. World Sight Day (WSD) is an international day of awareness, held yearly on the second Thursday of October to focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. 

This World Sight Day, understand the adverse effects of using electronic gadgets & devices for prolonged period.

Electronic gadgets are renowned for addicting people. Whether it’s a high tech computer or a portable gaming console, Indians have certainly pushed their technology buttons & have become gizmo freaks.

Hi- tech gadgets are flourishing by the dozens as establishments compete against each other to catch the eyes of enthusiastic gadget freaks.  Many of us use our gadgets to make this world an easier place to live. Whether its work email or just plain amusement, gadgets have become an indispensable part of our daily routine.

Though these gadgets make life stress-free, they certainly are harmful to our bodies. Modern day gadgets like laptops, smart-phones, hand held gaming consoles and computers directly affect your eye sight. Recent research shows that Electronic gadgets have ultra-violet rays which are unsafe to the eyes. Working constantly on electronic gadgets can lead to a variety of vision complaints like eye strain, redness, blurry vision etc.

Reading a book or newspaper is better because printed papers are usually high in contrast while the electric gadget deals with lesser contrast, therefore needs more visual focus and more stress to the eye.

Children who play hand held video games for long period of time without giving their eyes a break experience trouble with focusing on objects at different distances and eye irritation. It is due to the stress the eye goes through while constantly focusing on a small screen. Even the lesser contrast on the smart phone screens add to the anxiety of our vision.

So how can you avoid stressing your vision? Here are some tips on preventing vision troubles caused due to the extensive use of gadgets:

• Regularly perform eye-exercises such as Up- down eye movements and blinking. These exercises increase the blood flow & make the eye muscle strong and active to give a better vision.

• Follow the 20-20 rule i.e. take a break every 20 minutes and concentrate on the area about 20 feet away for about 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest.

• Washing the eyes frequently with cold water also helps to reduce eye strain.  If you experience severe eye strains, then consult your doctor for appropriate eye drops.

The modern electronic gadget can be a blessing if used in the right way. This World Sight Day, take a vow to rest your eyes and take proper care to reduce the hazard of vision problems.