Westinghouse Lightning Arrester, circa 1889

01

Artifact Overview

Lightning and other large surges of electricity can damage power systems and electrical apparatus. A lightning arrester diverts these surges and protects equipment. This lightning arrester made by Westinghouse Electric Company was patterned after one patented by Paul Winsor and Alexander Wurts in 1889. Wurts was one of the leaders in lightning arrester development.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Lightning-arrester

Date Made

circa 1889

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2016.0.1.167

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Copper alloy
Wood (Plant material)
Graphite (Mineral)

Color

Brown
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 13 in
Width: 12.75 in
Length: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

on plate: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CO./ PITTSBURGH PENNA. U.S.A./ A. WURTS & P. WINSOR'S PATENT NO 417694/ DECEMBER 17TH 1889