Edison, and his laboratory,
stood behind the equipment bearing his name.
The many fires and deaths caused arc lights the
1870s were indication the special risks electrical
systems, and was this time that Edison began his lifetime
. His reputation, and
the wide appeal his name, was asset great value.V-21
public confidence was vital for the successful introduction of
a new technology. was
a boon marketing new technology, standing for solid,
reliable products that the public could trust. His electrical
lighting system was marketed the basis its safety and
reliability. Edison's name
gave the competitive advantage the companies marketing his
lighting systems; other person was closely associated
with electricity the public mind.
Apart from the commercial challenge alternating
current, Edison had his own reputation stake the
electrification America. Edison had ethical and
commercial reasons for opposing dangerous technology, fearing
that any electrical accident would reflect back him and the
companies that bore his name. Edison believed that the supplier of
electrical technology should have faith his equipment and in
the future public lighting. His name had become associated with
high technology and practical engineering. This had been the original
reason why the electrical manufacturers accepted stock the
lighting companies; brought about union interest
between manufacturer and supplier
