A Timeline of Important Events.
1870
Thomas Edison builds the first DC generator.
1878
Thomas Edison founds the Edison Electric Light Co. in New York City.
1880
AC systems develop in Europe with the Siemens Company, while DC dynamos remain the prominent system in America.
1881
The first public electricity supply was generated in Godalming, Surrey (England) using a waterwheel at a nearby mill.
1882
Thomas Edison opens the Pearl Street Power Station in New York City. It was one of the world’s first central electric power plants and could power 5,000 lights.
1883
Nikola Tesla invents the Tesla Coil, a transformer that changes electricity from low to high voltage. This makes it easier to transport electricity over long distances, and is an important part of Tesla’s alternating current system.
1884
Tesla invents the electric alternator, the first motor capable of generating an alternating current.
1888
Tesla demonstrates the first polyphase alternating current electrical system. His system includes everything needed for electricity production and use: a generator, transformers, transmission system, motor (used in appliances) and lights. George Westinghouse, the head of Westinghouse Electric Company, buys the patent rights to the AC system.
1888
Executions are carried out by the electric chair for the first time with Edison's prompting of using alternating current to do the job.
1893
The Westinghouse Electric Company outbids Edison General Electric and uses an alternating current system to light the Chicago World’s Fair.