Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-12-01
Electricity 10 Our Homes.

The question is not infrequcntly asked,
whether the Introduction OF the electric light
into orr houses is not accompanied with great
risk of receiving fatal shock from the electric
current and an Increased liability to fire. Both
of these questions are the result OF popular
belief deriving its source from sensational
newspaper and other reports. which, unques-
Toned by Ignorance, are too often the foundR-
tion for such belief. The low tension at which
the City Electric Light Company system lights
its lamps and the utmost care taken through
ont each Installation 10 preclude possibility
of fire or shock. If snch were possible. render
the wires to the touch Us harmless as Is an
empty gas pipe, Any insurance agent prefers
dozen times tile risk in u Buiaing lighted by
electricity to that in the same building lighted
by gas.
Tie advantages of electricity over gas aud
oil as illuuIinauts arc almost too well known to
need repetition. aud yst electric lighting. cx-
cept as eXemplified by the roweanlurc light 10
Onr streets where large areas ara to be covered,
in its especial adoption TO house lighting by the
incandescent system, is III its veriest infancy.
That house not lighted by electricity viii lie
the exception rather than the rule in'the not
far distant future. no one vino is conyersant
with the enormous progress and Invasion of
electric light and power within the last two or
three years, can for moment doubt or think.
Gas and oil are both undenably dirty. and
possess attendant disadvantages. They black
Ell the ceilings with their smoke heat our
rooms when we wish to be cool. and their gas
cons vapors, given OFF in process of coinbus-
hangings and furniture. Gas and oil also con
sumo the very air we breathe. 10 candle
power CmenFurcd) gas burner consumes 81 GU
bic feet of oxygen and vitiates $50 cubic feet
of air per lIourl An electric light of the same
candle power consumes no Oryge,i n.,d Uitilttes
no ar II fact of no small consideration to our
personal comfort and health. as witness the.
most noticeable change from former discom-
fort to enjoyment in theatres and public houses
where the electric light has been substituted
for gas. Then there is alWays tho risk from.
fire. Many fire has been started by cur
tain blowing into gas flame and thousands OF
dollars have been lost by tile upsetting of Il
lamp and the careless use of matches.
All of these disadvantages aud dangers will
be done away with by the introduction and use
of the electric lampiDto our dwellings and bus
mess Offices. Its light is soft md clear pleas
ant TO the eye yet brilliant as an iluminant
and readily permits the distinguishing of the
most delicate shades and coloEiug. The most
infiammable fabric coming in contact withthe
lamp iucurs no Danger; The incnntiescent fill
amGnt is within the globe There arc no
matches to hunt for in the dark and none half
burnt. to throw iuto the wastepape" basket and
start n fire. The light is simply turned on or
of in the usual way. or any can be bright
~ lighted preparatory to going up stairs Ly
turning Button placed anywhere else in the
house; anda suspected burglar can be thwarted
by the same ready lightning process II ono
OF the electric lamps is accidentally broken it
sinnmedidtely cxtinguished and no harrn done.
Most ornamental and elegant chandeliers can
Gelabra, globes and fiytITcs are made es uceial-
~ for the iucaudesccut lamp ard Displaced by
tho dealers in every variety, and many novel
and beautiful effects rendered possible by ma
turc of the enclosed lamp globe, can be Clft-
plOyed to enhance the beauty.of hall or paflor.
The came current which lights our house will
run an electric motor to drive the sewing
washing and ironing machines. the elevator
the shoe backing apparatus. and other con-
yentences which can or viii be driven by an
electric motor
The City Electric Light Company system of
electric lIulfinu NIL ftf Il
at a reasonable first cost and the greatest econ
omy of operation