As every school child in North America knows, Thomas Edison was one of the world’s great inventors. What’s less well known is that Edison was also one of the earliest pioneers of electrical safety.

In 1880, Edison submitted a paper to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers warning of the dangers of overcurrents in electrical circuits. He recommended using wire insulation and fusible elements in circuits to guard against the danger.

Two years later, Edison established the world’s first electric light-power station to provide light to New York City. Edison’s facility on Pearl Street incorporated a number of important safety features, some of which are still in use today.

Through most of his life, Edison worked with other scientists and engineers to develop equipment and methods to minimize electrical hazards. He was also a leader in the effort to develop electrical safety codes and in the founding of laboratories such as the Underwriters Laboratory designed to make electrical technology development safer and more efficient.

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