For those in a hurry
- The Centennial Light is a light bulb that has been burning since 1901 in Livermore, California.
- It was donated by the owner of a power company to the fire department, where it still hangs today.
- It was originally a 30 or 60 watt bulb, but now it emits only a faint glow of 4 watts.
- It has been recognized by Guinness World Records, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and General Electric as the longest lasting light bulb in history.
- It has survived several moves, power outages, and earthquakes without breaking or burning out.
How did it last so long?
The Centennial Light is a remarkable example of durability and longevity. But how did it manage to keep shining for over a century? There are several factors that may have contributed to its endurance:
- It was made by hand with a carbon filament that is thicker and more resistant than modern filaments.
- It has a low wattage and voltage, which reduces the stress on the filament and the heat it produces.
- It is rarely turned off, which avoids thermal shocks that can damage the filament.
- It is protected by a glass enclosure that prevents dust and moisture from reaching the filament.
- It is maintained by the fire department, which ensures that it has a stable power supply and a safe environment.
Why is it important?
The Centennial Light is not only a curiosity, but also a symbol of history and innovation. It represents the evolution of lighting technology and the achievements of human ingenuity. It also reminds us of the importance of energy conservation and sustainability. The Centennial Light has been using the same amount of energy in 120 years as a modern bulb would use in 100 days. Imagine how much we could save if we made our appliances and devices more durable and efficient!
Where can you see longest lasting light bulb?
The Centennial Light is located at the Fire Station #6 in Livermore, California. You can visit it every day from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., when on-duty personnel are available. You can also see it live on the Bulbcam, which streams its image 24/7 on the internet. You can learn more about its history and features on the official website: http://centennialbulb.org
