Electricity was first used residentially for lighting in the 1880s. These early electrical systems were very expensive and cumbersome, however, requiring the use of direct current. As smaller household appliances became available, the first plugs and sockets were also introduced. Early inventions included light bulb-style outlets, which directly plugged into a home’s lamp socket.

By the early 1900s, several countries had developed adaptions to Harvey Hubbell's "Separable Attachment Plug". As the demand for electricity at home increased, an awareness of the risk of electrical hazards also rose. At the World’s Fair in 1904, scientists and engineers agreed for the first time that global standards for electrotechnology were needed, resulting in the founding of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The introduction of two-pin and three-pin wall receptacles soon followed.

Electricity Expands Globally

Mark your calendars!

On May 8, 2019, SkillsUSA and Klein Tools will host the first-ever SkillsUSA National Signing Day. This historic event will celebrate almost 3,000 high school seniors dedicated to pursuing careers in the skilled trades nationwide.

And there’s still plenty of time to join in on the celebration. In fact, SkillsUSA and Klein Tools are counting on YOU to help make this event that much more memorable for today’s aspiring professionals, so here’s five reasons why you won’t want to miss out.

Across all jobsites, tradespeople overcome complex challenges in order to get the job done right. It’s their commitment, and their grit, that keeps our communities running. With a pressure to work efficiently, professionals work diligently to complete the day’s tasks, avoiding distractions which not only cause safety hazards but also jeopardize tight deadlines.

When on the job, however, many tradespeople are asked to complete additional work beyond their main assignment. It’s not uncommon for skilled professionals to finish the job through and through, no matter what they’re tasked with.  From moving furniture to serving lunch, some odd jobs are more suitable than others.

Clients commonly make last-minute requests, which impact a tradesperson’s workload.
From the time they arrive on the jobsite, professionals stay prepared for the day’s tasks.

Appropriate Asks

Since Klein Tools’ founding more than 160 years ago, our company, and family, has celebrated many important milestones. Along the way, several limited-edition Klein Tools products have helped to recognize the impact we’ve made together. From significant anniversaries to honoring the tradespeople that keep the world running, we owe it all to you – the skilled professionals that get the job done right day-in and day-out.

Check out the following limited-edition Klein Tools products, and let us know which ones you have seen in action on the job.

2007 – 150^th Anniversary Tools (Various model numbers)