Edison vs. Tesla — What's the Difference?

Edison and Tesla were two prominent figures during the electrical revolution. Edison, an American inventor and businessman, made significant contributions to various fields, including the phonograph, motion picture camera, and the practical electric light bulb. Tesla, originating from what is now modern-day Croatia and later becoming a Serbian-American, was a genius in electrical engineering, pioneering advancements in alternating current (AC) technology.

While both Edison and Tesla contributed immensely to the field of electrical engineering, they had contrasting views on the best method for electrical distribution. Edison championed the direct current (DC) system, wherein electric charge flows consistently in one direction. Tesla, on the other hand, supported the alternating current (AC) system, where electric charge changes direction periodically.

The differences between Edison and Tesla went beyond their inventions. Edison was a shrewd businessman, holding over 1,000 patents, and founded companies that later merged to become General Electric. Tesla, a visionary inventor, had over 300 patents but faced financial difficulties throughout his life, often due to his focus on experimentation over commercial viability.

Their rivalry, often dubbed the "War of the Currents," was marked by public debates over the superiority of DC (Edison) versus AC (Tesla). While Edison's early systems had a head start, it was Tesla's AC, backed by industrialist George Westinghouse, that eventually became the dominant power distribution system.