Who invented the electric fan and when?

The electric fan was invented by Schuyler Skaats Wheeler, an American engineer, in 1882. Wheeler developed a small, electrically-powered fan that provided a cooling breeze, making it a significant improvement over earlier fans that were powered manually or by steam. The electric fan quickly gained popularity in homes and businesses, offering a more efficient way to cool down indoor spaces, particularly before air conditioning was widely available. Over time, fans evolved to include different features, such as variable speeds and oscillation, and they continue to be essential household appliances.