Science: Electricity Via Gas

An electrical cable filled with gas is now carrying high-voltage current for seven miles from a Detroit Edison Co. power plant to nearby arms factories. Built by General Cable Corp., it is the longest gas-filled cable in the world: a steel pipe through which run three one-inch copper ropes, separately insulated and packed in nitrogen gas at a pressure of 200 lb. per sq. in. There are a few other such cables, the first of which was installed in the U.S. by General Electric for the Yonkers (N.Y.) Electric Light & Power Co. as...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!