A Century of Continuous Glow
The Centennial Light, located at Fire Station #6 in Livermore, California, has been glowing almost non-stop since it was first turned on in 1901. Manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company, this hand-blown, carbon-filament bulb has amazed the world with its extraordinary longevity.
Brief Power Outages
Despite its continuous operation, the light bulb has been turned off a few times—during station relocations in 1937 and 1976, and once in 2013 due to a power supply failure. Each time, it was promptly reconnected and resumed its glow, now dimmed to around 4 watts.
Reasons for Longevity
Experts suggest that the bulb’s long life is due to its low wattage, thick carbon filament, and consistent use, avoiding the wear caused by frequent on-and-off cycles. Its unique hand-made construction may also have contributed to its durability.
The Light Bulb That’s Been Shining Since 1901 💡
A Century of Continuous Glow
The Centennial Light, located at Fire Station #6 in Livermore, California, has been glowing almost non-stop since it was first turned on in 1901. Manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company, this… pic.twitter.com/wKBaTp8tvJ— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) September 25, 2024