There are key moments when a small gesture is capable of producing big changes in the long term. Some call it the "butterfly effect", others call it evolution. And the electric wire is a clear example of both.

The invention of the cable transformed the way people lived, worked and communicated, and paved the way for many other technological advances. The electric wire enabled the safe and efficient transmission of electricity, which revolutionized industry, transportation and communication. In short: its invention changed the world. 

Before the wire, electricity was mainly used for scientific experiments and medical treatment. At the end of the 18th century, Alessandro Volta developed the first battery, which produced a constant flow of electricity. This invention laid the foundation for the creation of electrical machines, but its usefulness was limited by the fact that electricity could not be easily transmitted over long distances.

In the early 19th century, scientists and inventors began experimenting with ways to transmit electricity. British scientist Michael Faraday conducted one of the first successful experiments, demonstrating that a varying magnetic field could produce an electric current, using a moving magnet and seeing the current induced in a nearby wire. This allowed the creation of the electric wire, which was first patented by English inventor William Murdoch in 1809. The wire consisted of a copper core surrounded by an insulating material that allowed for the safe transmission of electricity.

Electric wire: a before and after in society, industry and transport

The advent of the electric wire had a major impact on society. One of its first uses was the telegraph, which allowed the rapid transmission of messages over long distances. This revolutionized communication and made it possible to send messages in a matter of minutes. The electric wire also led to the creation of electric lighting and brought about a great improvement in the quality of life of people, who until then used candles and oil lamps for illumination.

The electric wire also marked a before and after in the industrial sector. It made it possible to power machines, revolutionizing manufacturing processes, and electric motors were developed that made it possible to create machines that were faster and more efficient than steam-powered ones. This increased productivity and facilitated the creation of new products and industries.

At the end of the 19th century, a system was developed to generate electricity and transmit it over long distances: the electric grid. This enabled the creation of power plants, which generated electricity for communities around the world. This breakthrough transformed the way these societies lived, as it made electricity accessible and of domestic use to all individuals.

Transportation also underwent a major revolution with the invention of the cable. Electric trains and streetcars were created, which favored the fast and efficient transportation of people and goods. This led to the growth of cities and the creation of new industries. In addition, it also made possible the progress of automobiles, which enabled the development of personal transportation and changed the way people lived and traveled.

In conclusion, the invention of the electric wire was one of the pieces that laid the foundations of modern society as we know it today. And it was the first step so many other technological advances, such as the telegraph, electric lighting, the power grid or trains and automobiles could be invented.

At PUK Portacables, we work hard to create safe and quality wire support structures to lead electricity to new breakthroughs.