Nationality English Died 1935 | Employer J. H. Holmes & Co. | |
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Occupation Electrical Engineer, Inventor Known for Developing technology behind the modern light switch | ||
John Henry Holmes (1857-1935) was an English electrical engineer, inventor, and pioneer of electric lighting who invented the quick break light switch, the technology behind which remains the basis for modern wall mounted light switches.
Career
In 1880, Holmes attended a public demonstration of Joseph Swan's incandescent light bulb. This seemed to spark his interest in electric lighting, and he approached Swan on multiple occasions in hopes of becoming his apprentice.
Holmes founded J. H. Holmes & Co. in Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1883, his manufacturing company specializing in early motors, dynamos, switches, and lighting. His company was very active in the early proliferation of electric lighting, with Holmes having installed Newcastle’s first domestic electrical lighting into his father’s house, and supplied installations throughout Europe and the British colonies, making deals in the United States as well.
Holmes invented the quick break light switch in 1884. The technology augmented the standard switch by ensuring the internal contacts moved quickly enough to deter the electric arcing that otherwise invariably shortened the switch's lifespan. The quick break technology remains in use in modern times.