Discovery of plutonium. First aerosol cans in use. Invention of polyester and the bazooka.
1942
Development of the first automatic computer. Enrico Fermi initiates first artificial, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Invention of magnetic recording tape.
1943
Invention of the aqualung. Discovery of streptomycin. First ships sunk by guided missiles.
1944
National Apprenticeship Scheme formed by ECA and ETU, following on from the 1944 Education Act. IBM engineers complete the first electromechanical computer.
1945
First use of dialysis machine to treat human kidney patients. Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
1946
ECA members withdraw from the National Register of Electrical Installation Contractors (NREIC). Development of the first automatic, electronic, digital computer.
1947
Association introduces Guarantee of Work scheme as a general indemnity to customers. Invention of the transistor. First supersonic aircraft flight.
1948
Nationalisation of the electricity supply industry. Invention of the long playing record and the Polaroid camera. Microwave ovens come into use.
1949
Agreement reached between ECA and electricity area boards over trading. South Africa adopts apartheid as official policy. Peoples' Republic of China established.
1950
Korean war begins.
1951
First production of electric power from atomic energy. Colour tv becomes available in US shops. British troops occupy Suez Canal zone.
1952
British Comet is the world's first jet airliner in service. Contraceptive pill is produced. Elizabeth II comes to the throne.
1953
Watson and Crick discover the double helix structure of DNA. Production of first industrial quality synthetic diamonds. First successful use for a heart/lung machine during human heart surgery. Everest conquered.
1954
International Association of Electrical Contractors formed to provide liaison between various national organisations.
1955
Development of the dichroic reflector. First production of uhf waves. Non-stick pans available.
1956
Formation of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).
1957
Launch of first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. World's first radio telescope goes into operation.
1958
Stereophonic disc recordings come into use. First integrated circuit demonstrated. NASA established. Space race between USA and USSR begins.
1959
First commercial tungsten halogen lamp goes on sale. First tower block completed in London's West End. Transistorised computers become available.
1960
ECA suggests that all domestic wiring installations should be to IEE regulations. John F Kennedy becomes president of USA. Launch of USS Enterprise (without Captain Kirk at the helm).
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
