Direct current (DC) was first developed and demonstrated by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century. Edison’s work in the 1880s laid the foundation for the use of electric power systems that operated on direct current.
Direct current is characterized by the flow of electric charge in a single direction. Edison’s early electrical systems utilized this type of current to power lighting systems, streetcars, and various appliances. He established the first commercial electric power station in New York City in 1882, which provided direct current to customers.
While Edison was pivotal in popularizing DC, it’s important to note that he was not the only one involved in its development. Other inventors and scientists, such as Alessandro Volta, Michael Faraday, and others, contributed to the understanding of electricity that made the use of direct current possible. Nevertheless, it was Edison’s practical applications and business ventures that made direct current widely recognized and used during that era.