125 Years: The Evolution of EB Horsman and Canadian Electrification
125 years is an incredible achievement. It marks more than a century of brightening homes, wiring workplaces, and supporting the innovations that drive Canada forward. But what does reaching this milestone truly represent in the electrical industry? Let’s take a journey back in time to see how far we’ve come.
How Has Lighting Transformed?
When EB Horsman opened its first store in 1900 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, telephones were a rare convenience and electricity was just beginning to illuminate Canadian homes and businesses. In those early days, lighting your home was a significant investment. A single incandescent light bulb, adjusted for inflation, would cost about $70 today. It was far from the everyday convenience we know now.
Today, that incandescent light bulb has evolved into an energy-efficient LED costing about $6, consuming up to 90 percent less electricity and lasting as long as 25,000 hours. Even more impressive, many LEDs can be dimmed or change colours remotely via smartphone, reflecting how far technology and innovation have advanced.
From 1927 to Today: The Code That Shaped an Industry
Safety has always been paramount in the electrical industry, and since its first publication in 1927, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) has provided essential national standards to safeguard homes, businesses, and communities across Canada.
Over the decades, the Code has evolved, much like EB Horsman, integrating critical updates such as grounding requirements, arc-fault breakers, and smart system integration. The Canadian Electrical Code remains the cornerstone of safe, reliable, and modern electrical installations nationwide.
Cabling Through the Decades: From Analog Voice to Ultra-Fast Data
Cabling technology has undergone tremendous transformation. In the 1980s, Category 1 cables supported basic analog voice at just 1 Mbps. As demand grew, Category 2 and 3 introduced early data capabilities and 10 Mbps Ethernet.
The arrival of Category 5 enabled Fast Ethernet, while Category 5e brought gigabit speeds that became standard in homes and offices. Today, Category 8 cables deliver extraordinary speeds up to 40 Gbps, meeting the needs of data centers and advanced networking environments.
Throughout these advancements, EB Horsman has been a reliable source for the latest cables and connectivity solutions, keeping Canadians connected through every generation.
The Rise of Smart Energy Management in Canada
The 1990s marked the introduction of digital energy management systems in Canada, and by the early 2000s, smart meters were widely adopted in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. These technologies enable consumers and businesses to monitor energy use in real-time, supporting cost savings and environmental stewardship.
Today’s energy landscape embraces renewable integration, demand response, and smart grid technologies, all supported by rigorous standards from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and provincial utilities to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable energy management.
Empowering Canada’s Clean, Smart Future
As Canada advances toward a cleaner, smarter energy future, new opportunities arise—EV charging infrastructure, energy-efficient building technologies, and intelligent grid solutions are becoming integral to modern life. At EB Horsman, we take pride in our 125-year legacy of not only providing quality products but also delivering the expertise that electrical professionals depend on. We remain committed to powering Canada’s growth and innovation for the next 125 years and beyond.
