John Henry Holmes

John Henry Holmes
Born 1857
Died 1935
Nationality English
Occupation Electrical Engineer, Inventor
Employer J. H. Holmes & Co.
Known for Developing technology behind the modern light switch
Religion Quaker[1]

John Henry Holmes (1857-1935) was an English electrical engineer, inventor, and pioneer of electric lighting who invented the quick break light switch, the technology behind which remains the basis for modern wall mounted light switches.[2]

Career

A 200 HP J.H. Holmes & Co Large "Castle" Dynamo

In 1880, Holmes attended a public demonstration of Joseph Swan's incandescent light bulb. This seemed to spark his interest in electric lighting, and he approached Swan on multiple occasions in hopes of becoming his apprentice.[3]

Holmes founded J. H. Holmes & Co. in Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1883, his manufacturing company specializing in early motors, dynamos,[4][5][6] switches, and lighting. His company was very active in the early proliferation of electric lighting, with Holmes having installed Newcastle’s first domestic electrical lighting into his father’s house, and supplied installations throughout Europe and the British colonies,[7] making deals in the United States as well.[8]

Holmes invented the quick break light switch in 1884.[9] The technology augmented the standard switch by ensuring the internal contacts moved quickly enough to deter the electric arcing that otherwise invariably shortened the switch's lifespan. The quick break technology remains in use in modern times.

References

  1. ↑ "Holmes". www.jesmondoldcemetery.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  2. ↑ "View GNG Item - Great North Run Culture". www.greatnorthgreats.com. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  3. ↑ Clayson, John; Maggs, Katie (2013-06-07). "What's in store: how First Time Out opened our eyes to new possibilities". the Guardian. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  4. ↑ "New Catalogues and Trade Publications". The Engineering Magazine. An Industrial Review. 14: 910. 1898. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  5. ↑ "H6579 Recording voltmeter, J H Holmes & Co, Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK". www.powerhousemuseum.com. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  6. ↑ "J. H. Holmes and Co". www.gracesguide.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  7. ↑ "The Progress of Electrical Engineering in 1889". Industries and Iron. 8: 49. January 17, 1890.
  8. ↑ "Special Correspondance". Electrical World. 29. April 20, 1897. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Electric light in North East England.". www.englandsnortheast.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
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