|MadSci Network: Science History|
Hello Brittany. It is very hard to track down patents from so long ago, and so it is difficult to be sure who invented the electric light dimmer switch. I expected to find that Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, would have invented the first dimmer switch. However, I searched through his patents (and he had many!), and did not find a dimmer patent in his huge portfolio of patents. As far as I can tell, the earliest safe dimmer switch - used in the theater - was invented by Granville Woods in the 1890's. Often referred to as "the Black Edison", Granville Woods lived at about the same time as Thomas Edison, and was similarly self-educated, and generated over 150 patents. Thomas Edison and Granville Woods went to court twice to determine who invented something first...Granville Woods won both times. Thomas Edison offered Granville Woods a high level job at his company, but Granville Woods declined, apparently enjoying the independence of owning his own company. Granville Woods loved the arts, and the theater. The early attempts to dim theater lights often led to dangerous electrical fires - seeing a challenge where he could contribute, Granville Woods invented the first safe and inexpensive dimmer switch in the 1890's.
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