Starting Rheostat
Add to SetSummary
Rheostats vary the amount of electrical resistance in a circuit. They proved beneficial as the use of electrical power expanded in the late 1800s. Among their many applications, rheostats helped motors start safely, controlled motor speed, maintained a constant current in battery chargers, and adjusted volume and light levels. This rheostat was used as part of Edison's first three-wire distribution system in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
Rheostats vary the amount of electrical resistance in a circuit. They proved beneficial as the use of electrical power expanded in the late 1800s. Among their many applications, rheostats helped motors start safely, controlled motor speed, maintained a constant current in battery chargers, and adjusted volume and light levels. This rheostat was used as part of Edison's first three-wire distribution system in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
Artifact
Rheostat
Creators
Unknown
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
34.373.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of R. A. Shiffer.
Material
Metal
Stone (Worked rock)
Rubber (Material)
Asbestos
Color
Brown
Gold (Color)
Gray (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 6.5 in
Width: 4 in
Length: 5 in
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