Westinghouse Induction Motor, circa 1888

Summary

Nikola Tesla's name is inseparable from the development of alternating current electricity--particularly with regard to polyphase transmission, but especially with regard to the induction motor. His motor, patented in 1888, was the first practical AC motor. George Westinghouse licensed Tesla's motor patents that same year--enabling the Westinghouse AC lighting system to become a real competitor with direct current systems.

Nikola Tesla's name is inseparable from the development of alternating current electricity--particularly with regard to polyphase transmission, but especially with regard to the induction motor. His motor, patented in 1888, was the first practical AC motor. George Westinghouse licensed Tesla's motor patents that same year--enabling the Westinghouse AC lighting system to become a real competitor with direct current systems.

Artifact

Motor

Date Made

circa 1888

Creators

Westinghouse Electric Company (New York, NY) 

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh 

Creator Notes

Manufactured by the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company based on Nikola Tesla's design.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1333.173

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company.

Material

Metal
Cloth
Brass (Alloy)

Color

Black (Color)

Inscriptions

on motor: 274

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