The centennial Light - still going strong!

​Dayton Electric is happy to start our blog page with probably the most famous light (bulb) in the world… the Centennial Light in Livermore, CA.  It is the world’s longest-last light bulb, going strong since 1901.   The bulb resides, unprotected and rather unceremoniously, from the garage ceiling of the Livermore fire department.  It is worth noting, the bulb does have its own personal webcam streaming video 24/7 to ensure the world it is still shining.  And, from a Buckeye pride perspective, the Centennial Light has its roots right here in Ohio (Shelby, OH), manufactured back in late 1890s by the Shelby Electric Company. 

For those of us perpetually frustrated by the short lifespan of modern day light bulbs, the Centennial bulb owes its longevity to… well, there is only speculation as to why it is still burning after 116 years.   Many think it is due to the heavier carbon filament used (vs. the more exotic thinner filaments used in today’s lights) allowing the bulb to glow at much cooler temperatures.   Some thing the centenarian light owes its long life to a extra strong vacuum.  However, we at Dayton Electric believe there is a mysterious force at work that may never be explained by modern science. 
 
Let’s contemplate just how long lasting the Centennial Light is compared to its modern day brethren to fully appreciate it’s magical power:

• Incandescent Bulbs - around 1,200 hours or just 50 days;
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - up to 10,000 hours or just over 1 year;
• LED Lights – up to 50,000 hours or almost 6 years; and, 
• Centennial Light – over 1,000,000 hours or 116 years.

 
Consider the Centennial Light has seen over 3 billion people walk the earth, two world wars, the first man on the moon, the invention of a little thing called the internet, and our hometown Cincinnati Bengals continue to be Superbowless.   Believe it or not, the light observed many of the last century’s events unnoticed.  That is, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that people began to notice the longevity of it, with the earliest reporting being by The Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.  Naturally, today with said internet and widespread media outlets, the light's fame has spread across the world.   Of course, the Centennial Light has its own Facebook page with over 11,000 likes and followers; and, it is not without its own website dedicated to its greatness.  As far as we can tell though, it doesn’t have a Twitter or Instagram account, but perhaps we have overlooked it or it just doesn’t have time for that nonsense. 
 
Dayton Electric is proud to follow in the footsteps of the Centennial Light, serving the Greater Dayton Area with as much endurance and commitment to excellent.