The exact cause of the fire that destroyed Nikola Tesla's lab is not definitively known, but the most common theory suggests an accident.
Possible Cause: Faulty Electrical Wiring
Given Tesla's work with high-voltage and high-frequency electricity, faulty electrical wiring or other issues related to the building's electrical infrastructure are the most likely culprits. His laboratories contained sophisticated equipment often pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering at the time. It is reasonable to assume that a malfunction could easily trigger a fire.
- High-Voltage Equipment: Tesla worked extensively with high-voltage electricity, increasing the risk of electrical arcing or shorts.
- Experimental Setups: His laboratories contained numerous experimental setups, each presenting potential fire hazards.
- Building Infrastructure: The age and condition of the building housing his lab could have contributed to the risk of electrical failures.
While arson has been speculated about, there is no concrete evidence to support it, making accidental fire due to electrical issues the prevailing theory.
