Who invented electricity?

Electricity - a natural phenomenon that scientists have studied for centuries - was not invented by any one person. Historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Alessandro Volta and Michael Faraday each made important contributions to understanding electricity and developingTimeline of electricityways to use it. Later, inventors including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla helped develop practical electrical power systems.

Who first discovered electricity?

There is no single person who can be credited with discovering electricity. One of the earliest recorded observations is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus around 600 BC: he observed that rubbed amber could attract small objects, an effect we now recognise as static electricity.

In 1600, English physician and scientist William Gilbert published De Magnete, examining electrical attraction and magnetism. Gilbert used the Latin term electricus, derived from the Greek word for amber, to describe the attraction produced by materials such as amber when rubbed. His work helped establish the scientific study of electricity.

What was Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment?

Benjamin Franklin is better known as one of the founding fathers of the United States, and yet he was also a prolific writer, scientist, diplomat and inventor whose research helped explain the relationship between lightning and electricity. His famous kite experiment is traditionally dated to June 1752 in Philadelphia.

According to the historical account, Franklin flew a kite during stormy weather with a metal key attached to its string. Electrical charge collected by the kite allowed him to observe an electrical spark at the key, demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning (as opposed to the popular belief that it was an act of God). This was a dangerous experiment (and not one to ever recreate) - luckily the kite was not struck by lightning as a direct strike could have killed Franklin.

He continued his experiments with electricity, for example consulting on lightning rods at St Paul's Cathedral during his time in London in the second half of the 18th century.

Who made electricity practical?

Several scientists and inventors helped turn electrical observations into technologies that could generate, supply and use electrical power.

Faraday’s discovery was particularly important for electricity generation. He demonstrated that a changing magnetic field could induce an electric current in a conductor. This is the principle that underpins generators that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.  Faraday's Museum in London has an interesting display of the scientist's lab. 

How does this relate to electrical cables?

Discovering how to generate electricity was only part of the challenge: electrical power also needed to reach the equipment using it. Early commercial electricity systems combined generators, distribution networks and electrical conductors to deliver power to customers.

Electrical cables offer the necessary a conducting path for electric current. Metals are effective electrical conductors, while materials such as plastics are used as insulation because they do not allow current to flow easily. These properties help explain how cables carry electricity while insulating the conductors.

For more information about electrical charge, current and generation, read our FAQ: What is electricity?.