Sangamo Electric Company Type F Wattmeter, circa 1909

THF163978 / Sangamo Electric Company Type F Wattmeter, circa 1909
01

Artifact Overview

In the late 1800s, companies that supplied electricity to consumers needed a way to measure how much customers used--and then charge them accordingly. Induction-type wattmeters proved reliable and would become the industry standard, but until 1910 Westinghouse held the patents. Sangamo Electric Company, which had not been granted a license from Westinghouse, produced this mercury-motor alternative.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Wattmeter

Date Made

circa 1909

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

58.95.67

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edwin M. Parre.

Material

Metal
Glass (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8 in
Width: 6 in
Length: 5.5 in

Inscriptions

on plate: SANGAMO INTEGRATING WATTMETER/ ALTERNATING CURRENT TYPE F/ VOLTS 110/ AMPS 5 CYCLES ANY/ SANGAMO ELECTRIC COMPANY SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS stamped on bracket: 99897 on readout face: KILOWATT HOURS
02

Related Content

  • Mutual Electric & Machine Co. Electric Switch, Used on Sugar Island, Detroit River, Michigan, circa 1910
    Set

    Electric Stories - 2015-2017 IMLS Grant Project

    • 22 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 have come to light as staff cataloged, photographed, and conserved these objects. This expert set presents just a small sampling of those artifacts and their stories preserved by The Henry Ford.