Starting Rheostat
THF165908 / Starting Rheostat
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Rheostat
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
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetElectric Stories - 2015-2017 IMLS Grant Project II
- 20 Artifacts
In 2015, The Henry Ford received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to digitize a selection of artifacts related to electric power generation and distribution. Many hidden stories came to light as staff cataloged, photographed, and conserved these objects. This expert set (the second in the series) presents just another small sampling of those artifacts and their stories preserved by The Henry Ford.