Fear and Fascination: Early Public Reactions to Electricity
When electricity began to be used more frequently by the public, it was not welcomed with open arms. Initial fears about its use included potential mass extinctions, low humidity, and even more dubious notions such as prosecuting misconduct and increasing instances of people mating with small rodents.
Electricity as a Source of Fear
The initial reception of electricity was marked by a prevailing sense of fear and skepticism. One of the most fascinating and historically notable representations of this fear can be seen in a cartoon from early 1900s, which depicted electricity as an intimidating and sometimes dangerous force.
Amidst these fears, Thomas Edison, who championed Direct Current (DC), performed a notorious experiment involving the electrocution of an elephant using Alternating Current (AC). Edison was a strong proponent of DC, arguing that it was safer due to its relatively lower voltage, though it required thicker and more expensive wiring. However, Tesla's AC proved to have significant advantages, enabling the efficient transmission of power over long distances without substantial energy loss due to conductor impedance. This was made possible through the use of transformers, which could not be effectively used with DC.
Building Codes and Safety Standards
The development of electricity also brought stringent safety standards and building codes. In the United States, for example, electricians are required to meet rigorous codes to ensure public safety. However, in other parts of the world, such as Poland, these standards were not as strictly enforced. A personal experience highlighted the disparities in code adherence, where a lamp cord was used to run 300 feet to an outlet, installed without proper conduit. The only meter available to the electrician was a lightbulb, indicating 'good' as long as it lit up. When tested, the voltage was found to be severely reduced from 243 to 173 volts.
Propaganda: Edison vs. Tesla
Thomas Edison conducted a series of public demonstrations to promote DC and demonize AC. These events often involved electrocuting animals, such as a cow, using AC to demonstrate its supposed dangers. Edison would have his assistant perform the same demonstration with DC, which would result in a harmless outcome, supposedly proving the safety of DC over AC. These staged demonstrations failed to sway the public opinion, as AC eventually prevailed due to its many advantages, including the efficient long-distance transmission of power. However, Edison inadvertently sparked a new fear with the use of AC for executing criminals via the electric chair, further cementing the public's anxiety towards electricity.
As urbanization and industrialization continued to accelerate, the romance and excitement surrounding electricity gradually outweighed the initial fears. The journey from skepticism to acceptance reflects not only technological advancement but also the evolution of safety regulations and public education.