As an expert in the history of technology, I can provide you with a comprehensive overview of when electricity became common in homes. The journey towards electrification in households is a fascinating one, involving numerous inventors, innovations, and gradual societal shifts.

The story of electricity in homes begins in the late 19th century. Before the widespread use of electricity, homes were illuminated by gaslights and candles. The invention of the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison in 1879 was a pivotal moment. Edison's bulb was not the first electric light, but it was the first to be practical and commercially viable. His creation used a carbon filament inside a glass vacuum, which when electrified, produced a bright and steady light.

In 1882, Edison took a significant step towards making electricity a common feature in homes by forming the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of New York. This company was instrumental in bringing electric light to parts of Manhattan. However, the transition from gas and candles to electric lighting was not immediate. The infrastructure required to support widespread electrical use was still in its infancy, and the cost of electricity was a barrier for many households.

The early 20th century saw a gradual increase in the electrification of homes. The establishment of power plants and the expansion of electrical grids played a crucial role. As the infrastructure improved and the cost of electricity decreased, more and more homes began to adopt electric lighting. By the 1910s and 1920s, the use of electricity was becoming more common, not just for lighting but also for other household appliances such as irons, fans, and radios.

Despite these advancements, the process of electrification was slow and uneven. It wasn't until 1925 that a significant milestone was reached: half of all homes in the United States had electric power. This was a major turning point, indicating that electricity was becoming a standard feature in American homes.

The Great Depression and World War II had an impact on the pace of electrification, but by the mid-20th century, the majority of homes in developed countries had access to electricity. The post-war economic boom further accelerated the process, as new homes were built with electrical systems in mind, and older homes were retrofitted.

In conclusion, the journey towards electricity being common in homes was a gradual one, spanning several decades from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. It was a complex process involving technological innovation, infrastructure development, economic factors, and societal changes. The work of inventors like Thomas Edison and the establishment of companies to provide electrical services were key to this transformation. By the mid-20th century, electricity had become an integral part of daily life in homes around the world.

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In 1882 Edison helped form the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of New York, which brought electric light to parts of Manhattan. But progress was slow. Most Americans still lit their homes with gas light and candles for another fifty years. Only in 1925 did half of all homes in the U.S. have electric power.Feb 26, 2015read more >>