Ammeter

Object number2007.167.99

Manufacturer Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company (1886 - 1945)

Date1890

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumMetal, Rock, Glass, Rubber.

Credit LineTransfer from George Westinghouse Museum Foundation

DescriptionAmmeter. Rectangular glass case with marble base; interior has metal and rubber parts with a long arrow that swing back and forth on a white plate; patent plate in middle near bottom.Dimensions17.125 x 10.125 x 5 in. (43.5 x 25.7 x 12.7 cm)
MarksPatent plate in middle near bottom with text "WESTINGHOUSE ELEC. & M'F'G CO / PITTSBURGH PA. / PATENTED / LANGE JUL. 12 '87 JUL. 31 '88 / AUG. 12 '90 / LANGE & SHALLENBERGER / JULY 12 '87".
Historical NotesTransferred from the George Westinghouse Museum to the Heinz History Center when the museum closed in 2007. Label TextOnce the challenge of delivering power to homes and factories was resolved, a method for measuring and charging for the new energy was needed. Oliver B. Shallenberger, a talented electrician working for the Westinghouse Electric Company, developed the first electric meter for alternating current, patented in 1887. Additional label: Electrical engineer Oliver Shallenberger solved the major issue of how to measure alternating current. In 1887 he patented an induction meter to track current and ensure that it maintained a stable level. This wall-mounted meter is one of the earliest known products from Westinghouse Electric.

Related person Oliver B. Shallenberger

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