The decision develop traction system with third rail
instead overhead pickup was motivated Edison's fear of
accidents with the latter system. expected that regulation
would soon prohibit the overhead wires from all electrical
.V-22
opposition high voltages. Safety was major engineering criterion at
West Orange, and often determined the direction research. saw, correctly, that safety issues would quickly
attract the attention legislators and lead the stringent
regulation that would hamstring the American industry, the
Electric Lighting Act had done the British. knew that the notoriously poor
workmanship the electrical contractors, compounded with wear
and tear electrical components, created hazards with even
the safest system. This involved making
electrical installations safer adding cut-outs and fuses to
minimize the damage done short circuits.^®
As Edison considered public support for new technology
essential, his lab carried out research and development to
reduce the risks electricity. His early experiences introducing
electricity made him sensitive the public's apprehensions of
the danger new lighting technology. Fire was ever
present risk with electricity— consuming the Pearl Street and
several other central stations— and the lab worked develop
fireproof materials for central stations and insulation for
wires and cables. Mindful that regulation
of the electrial supply industry was the horizon, Edison
maintained safety priority the development lighting
apparatus
