About Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck
Lived 1845 – 1904 (aged 58). Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck was a German engineer, physicist and electrotechnician.
Friedrich Heinrich Philipp Franz von Hefner-Alteneck (April 27, 1845 in Aschaffenburg – January 6, 1904 in Biesdorf near Berlin) was a German electrical engineer and one of the closest aides of Werner von Siemens. He is largely remembered for the invention of the Hefner lamp, which provided the measure of luminous intensity used in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia from 1890 to 1942. The measure was called the Hefnerkerze (HK). The Hefnerkerze was superseded in the 1940s by the modern SI unit, the candela.
He was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1896.
Notable Inventions von Hefner-Alteneck's most notable inventions were all conceptualized during his time at Siemens.
Differential arc lamp - A type of automatic-feed carbon arc lamp Drum armature - An efficient form of winding motor rotor coils A telegraph keyboard The Hefner lamp
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck?
German engineer (1845–1904)
When was Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck born?
Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck was born on 27 April 1845 in Aschaffenburg.
When did Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck die?
Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck died on 7 January 1904 in Biesdorf.
What was Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck's occupation?
Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck was an engineer, physicist and electrotechnician.
What nationality was Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck?
Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck was German.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck
· DBpedia: Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck. https://biography.guide/friedrich-von-hefner-alteneck/
MLA: "Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/friedrich-von-hefner-alteneck/.
Chicago: "Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/friedrich-von-hefner-alteneck/.
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