Catalog Westinghouse 2024

Westinghouse is an American brand with a rich history closely tied to the development of electrical power and technology. Founded in 1886 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company (which changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945) was established by inventor and industrialist George Westinghouse. By that time, Westinghouse had already gained fame in the railway industry as the inventor of the pneumatic brake. He then chose to focus on electrical equipment.

At the end of the 19th century, Westinghouse played a crucial role in the "War of the Currents" — the conflict between alternating current (AC), supported by Westinghouse, and direct current (DC), promoted by Thomas Edison and his company General Electric. Thanks to a partnership with inventor Nikola Tesla, who developed the induction motor and AC transmission systems, Westinghouse won this debate. One of the most significant events was the lighting of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, which utilized Westinghouse's AC technology.

After the victory of alternating current, Westinghouse Electric began to actively develop and implement electrical power systems worldwide. In 1896, the company completed the construction of the world's first AC hydroelectric power station at Niagara Falls, which became a powerful symbol of the new technology's capabilities.

Throughout the 20th century, Westinghouse continued to expand its technologies, including the development of equipment for broadcasting, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The company was active in fields such as railway transportation, aircraft manufacturing, and various types of research. It also made significant contributions to the advancement of nuclear energy, designing reactors for nuclear power plants.

However, despite its achievements, Westinghouse faced serious financial difficulties in the 1990s that it could not overcome. As a result, Westinghouse Electric underwent significant restructuring, being divided into separate units that were sold to competitors or spun off into independent companies. Consequently, the Westinghouse brand continued to exist, but ownership rights today belong to various manufacturers operating in diverse fields, from consumer electronics to nuclear energy. The brand is used for a wide range of products, from simple batteries to advanced energy solutions.