William Henry Merrill
Encyclopedia
William Henry Merrill was an American
electrical engineer who founded Underwriters Laboratories
in 1894.
to examine the safety of the electrical wiring in the Palace of Electricity. This experience led him to found Underwriters Laboratories
. In 1916, he served as the organization's first president.
Merrill also served as the National Fire Protection Association
's secretary-treasurer from 1903 to 1909 and its president from 1910 to 1912.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
electrical engineer who founded Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent product safety certification organization. Established in 1894, the company has its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. UL develops standards and test procedures for products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment, chiefly dealing...
in 1894.
Biography
Merrill began his career as an electrical engineer in Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of 25, he was hired by insurers for the World's Columbian ExpositionWorld's Columbian Exposition
The World's Columbian Exposition was a World's Fair held in Chicago in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World in 1492. Chicago bested New York City; Washington, D.C.; and St...
to examine the safety of the electrical wiring in the Palace of Electricity. This experience led him to found Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent product safety certification organization. Established in 1894, the company has its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. UL develops standards and test procedures for products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment, chiefly dealing...
. In 1916, he served as the organization's first president.
Merrill also served as the National Fire Protection Association
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association is a United States trade association that creates and maintains private, copywrited, standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments...
's secretary-treasurer from 1903 to 1909 and its president from 1910 to 1912.