Harry Potter causes electrical interference at 4 Privet Drive during an unintentional, anger-induced burst of magic
- "They run off eckeltricity, do they? Ah yes, I can see the plugs. I collect plugs. And batteries. Got a very large collection of batteries. My wife thinks I'm mad, but there you are."
- — Arthur Weasley eagerly studies the Dursley household appliances[src]
Electricity is a form of energy used by Muggles to power most of their technology.
Magic is known to interfere with the functionality of Muggle technologies powered by electricity.[1] Most Muggle electronics – including computers, radar, and bugging devices – do not work in Hogwarts's magical environment.[1] However, exceptions to this rule can be made for devices that can run off of "the magical atmosphere, such" as wizarding cameras.[2]
Muggle usage of electricity in their technology is part of the curriculum of the Muggle Studies class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Chizpurfles will sometimes attack Muggle electrical items in the absence of magical items to consume, which explains the sudden failure of new electrical goods. In 1993, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley spotted Hermione working on an essay titled "Explain Why Muggles Need Electricity."
Wizardkind in general apparently have little to no in-depth knowledge of electricity, as Arthur Weasley would go as far as to mispronounce the word itself, even when weather-based phenomenon such as lightning occurs in the wizarding world. Arthur is highly fascinated by electricity and keeps a collection of batteries and plugs. Professor Silvanus Kettleburn said in the 1987–1988 school year that he had once been electrocuted.
Behind the scenes
- In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 during the Fiendfyre Frenzy scene two red mini-sized electricity pylons are used to create an electricity connection between them and wake up a skeleton.
- The Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes have a product known as Electric Shock Shake.
- Wizards can produce a defensive charge to shock away attackers.
Appearances
Lord Voldemort casting the Lightning spell from Dumbledore's grave to the clouds with the Albus Dumbledore's wand
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)[3]
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)[4]
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)[5]
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28
- ↑ J. K. Rowling's official site - F.A.Q. questions (archived here via the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine)
- ↑ Harry Potter is seen using the oven.
- ↑ Dudley Dursley is seen watching TV.
- ↑ Petunia Dursley is seen watching TV.