Effigy of Ben Franklin dominates high-voltage yard at General Electric Company's new Switchgear Development laboratory as engineer prepares to re-enact Ben's famous kite and key experiment. The special demonstration was part of the ceremonies marking the official opening of the company's $10,000,000 laboratory. Instead of producing a spark as Franklin did, however, GE high-voltage specialist created a white-hot arc which leaped six feet from tip of key to ground. The company's newest laboratory will develop circuit breakers and other equipment capable of harnessing and controlling the country's increasing electric power needs

General Electric Company1952-05-27