Westinghouse Wurts Circuit Breaker, circa 1896
Add to SetSummary
In the late 1800s, as companies began producing electricity to light cities, run streetcars, and power factories, homes and offices, new apparatus was needed to safely deliver and use electricity. Excess current in a circuit could damage electric lines and equipment. Circuit breakers protected electrical circuits by automatically interrupting the power flow during an event overload.
In the late 1800s, as companies began producing electricity to light cities, run streetcars, and power factories, homes and offices, new apparatus was needed to safely deliver and use electricity. Excess current in a circuit could damage electric lines and equipment. Circuit breakers protected electrical circuits by automatically interrupting the power flow during an event overload.
Artifact
Circuit breaker
Date Made
circa 1896
Creators
Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company
Place of Creation
United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company using Alexander J. Wurts' patent.
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.1333.292
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company.
Material
Metal
Copper (Metal)
Color
Gray (Color)
Brown
Dimensions
Height: 9.5 in
Width: 11.125 in
Length: 17 in
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