Westinghouse Induction Motor, 1888-1900

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

1889-1895

Creators

Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh 

Creator Notes

Made by Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company using Nikola Tesla's patents..

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1333.176

Credit

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

Material

Metal
Cast iron
POLYMER
Cloth

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8.125 in

Width: 10.5 in

Length: 7.25 in

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More