Arc Lamp

01

Artifact Overview

Arc lamps were the first widely used form of electric light. An electric arc created between precisely spaced carbon rods produced a brilliant light that effectively illuminated city streets, factories, and other large open areas. Carbon arc lamps were phased out as a general lighting source during the early 20th century and replaced by incandescent, fluorescent, and gas discharge lamps.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Arc lamp

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1980.757

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.

Material

Metal

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 37.5 in
Diameter: 6.75 in

Inscriptions

on bottom: 61465
Arc Lamp