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Questions and Answers
What significant challenge did Edison face while setting up his power plant on Pearl Street?
What significant challenge did Edison face while setting up his power plant on Pearl Street?
How many customers were signed up by Edison by the time the Pearl Street Station began operation?
How many customers were signed up by Edison by the time the Pearl Street Station began operation?
What did the New York Times describe about the newly inaugurated power plant's service?
What did the New York Times describe about the newly inaugurated power plant's service?
What issue arose with Edison's system after it became operational?
What issue arose with Edison's system after it became operational?
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In what way did Edison's commercial power plant influence the electrical market?
In what way did Edison's commercial power plant influence the electrical market?
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Study Notes
Edison's Pearl Street Power Plant
- Edison developed a system to generate and distribute electricity for incandescent light bulbs in 1879.
- He established a commercial power plant in New York City's First District (Pearl Street) in 1882.
- The plant housed six dynamos, steam engines, and required significant wiring.
- Nearly 100,000 feet of wiring was laid in underground conduits.
- Initially, around 80 customers (400 bulbs) were signed up.
- The New York Times reported on the "soft, mellow" light.
- Although it was the world's first commercial power plant, the inauguration lacked extensive media coverage.
- The plant became profitable after initial losses.
- The system increased demand for electricity, marking a key turning point.
- Direct current (DC) was inefficient for long-distance transmission, making it costly compared to alternating current (AC).
- AC technology became dominant within a few years.
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Description
Explore the history and significance of Edison's Pearl Street Power Plant, the world's first commercial power plant established in 1882. Learn about its components, initial customer base, and the transformation it brought to electricity distribution in New York City. This quiz delves into the technological advancements and challenges of the time.
