General Electric Thomson Two-Rate Recording Wattmeter, circa 1900
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Artifact Overview
In the late 1800s, electrical engineers developed a two-rate wattmeter that could record power consumption during high and low demand periods. This device allowed companies that supplied electricity to offer a cheaper rate during off-peak hours. By charging a lower rate, power suppliers hoped to increase usage during slack times and operate their machinery more profitably at maximum efficiency.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Wattmeter
Date Made
circa 1900
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.115.13
Credit
From the Collections of the Henry Ford. Gift of Buffalo, Niagara & Eastern Power Co.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 14 in
Width: 9 in
Length: 9 in
Inscriptions
on readouts:
THOMSON RECORDING WATT METER/ GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. U.S.A./ MULTIPLY BY 5
on plate:
THOMPSON RECORDING TWO-RATE METER/ CONTNUOUS CURRENT/ NO. 278630 TYPE M/ CLASS 25 500 FORM RUN/ MAR. 4 '91 / [...]/ JAN. 25 '98/ GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. SCHENECTADY N.Y. U.S.A.
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