Ever wonder what would happen if that phone didn't work or that lamp couldn't turn on?
We are all living in such a digital age where we rely on electronically powered objects to help get us through our daily tasks. Ever wonder what would happen if that phone didn't work or that lamp couldn't turn on? Electricity is all around us and it is growing everyday. It's important for children and adults to take the time to learn about the history of electricity and how it operates. Learning basic electrical skills can help you win a science fair or help you accomplish tasks around the house that you would normally reach out to a professional for.
History of Electricity
Benjamin Franklin became the founding father of electricity in 1752 when he tied a key to the end of a kite string during a thunderstorm. He discovered that this created an electrical shock and this was later used throughout history as a basis for other inventors to find alternate ways of creating electricity.
A Brief History of Electricity: The Electrical Contractor Magazine gives you a brief history of how electricity was discovered and it's advances throughout time.
The Lightbulb: Thomas Edison, Joseph Swann, and other inventors helped to create early versions of the lightbulb. Improving on the original models over the years led to the creation of the lightbulb we know today.
Batteries: In 1800, Alessandro Volta was the first person to create the battery by stacking discs of copper and zinc separated by a cloth that was soaked in salt water.
Television: Boris Rosing and Campbell Swinton were the first to create a television system by combining a cathode ray tube and mechanical scanning system.
Telephone: Alexander Graham Bell received his first patent for the telephone in 1876.
Generating Electricity
As electricity has advanced over the years, different methods of creating it have been found. Some of the most common types are Solar Energy, Windmills, and Steam.
Solar Energy: People often use solar energy to heat bodies of water, homes, pools, and even buildings.
Windmills: Windmills or modern wind turbines are used to produce electricity by using the kinetic energy in our earth's natural winds.
Steam: Kinetic energy from steam spins a turbine which is connected to a generator to create power.
Learning Electrical Skills
Learning basic electrical skills can help people of any age accomplish daily tasks and prevent hiring a professional to fix minor problems around the house. It's important to start teaching these skills to children when they are young so they have more practice and feel at ease when these tasks come up.
Changing a Light Bulb: The Pacific Lamp Supply Company gives a great step by step guide to teach you how to change a light bulb on your own.
Electrical Wiring Circuit Breakers: Learn how circuit breakers work and how to reset them if there are any issues with these helpful directions.
Electricians Near Me: If severe or dangerous electrical problems arise and you need a professional you can use this site to search for electricians in your location.
Electrical Home Safety: Use this checklist to make sure your home is safe from any electrical dangers that could appear for you and your family.
DIY Electrical Guides: Follow these electrical guides to learn how to do DIY electrical projects around your house. You'll be a home electrician in no time!
Electricity Education, Lessons, and Resources
Kid Science- Electricity 101: This fun and interactive site for children can help get people started young in the electrical world.
Electricity and Electronics Science Projects: Dive into the world of electricity and create fun new science projects with this website.
Electricity Basics: This page breaks down and explains voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law.
Understanding Basic Electrical Theory: Sharpen your electrical theory skills and understand more about electricity.
DIY Electrical and Electronics Projects: Great DIY electrical projects for students, makers, and engineers of all skill levels.
DIY Electrical Projects for Beginners: Turbo Electric has a list of electrical projects for beginners or any one looking for new ideas.
Home Electrical Projects Made Simple: Use this guide to help you take a complex home electrical problem and turn it into an easy task you can accomplish on your own.
Electrical Basics 101: Learn the important parts and tools of your home's electricity source.
Electrical 101 for the Homeowner: Being a homeowner can be made easier with this 101 guide to electrical problems in your home.
Electric Basics: Learn basic terms and concepts in the world of electricity.
Find Local Electrician: Reach out to a professional when you're beyond your electrical experience level.
Common Electrical Problems in Your Home: Read up on some of the common electrical problems people deal with so you can be prepared if they happen to you.
