Electricity has been recognized as dangerous since it began to be used for street lighting in
large cities in the northeastern United States in the late 1800s. People received severe shocks
and were frequently electrocuted as they made contact with energized electrical equipment.
Inadequate electrical installation often resulted in fires, and standard installation methods did
not exist.
At that time, even though fires and electrocutions were occurring, the use of electricity
quickly expanded to other parts of the United States. Electrical designs and installations
varied widely from one facility to another. Injury data and economic losses illustrated that
both fire and electrocution were hazards, and insurance companies recognized the importance
of standardization. If an installation standard could be developed, both electrocution
and fire could be reduced.
large cities in the northeastern United States in the late 1800s. People received severe shocks
and were frequently electrocuted as they made contact with energized electrical equipment.
Inadequate electrical installation often resulted in fires, and standard installation methods did
not exist.
At that time, even though fires and electrocutions were occurring, the use of electricity
quickly expanded to other parts of the United States. Electrical designs and installations
varied widely from one facility to another. Injury data and economic losses illustrated that
both fire and electrocution were hazards, and insurance companies recognized the importance
of standardization. If an installation standard could be developed, both electrocution
and fire could be reduced.
