Electricity is a current of energy used by Muggles to power most of their technology. Magic is known to cause interference in the operation of muggle technology powered by electricity, rendering them inoperative. Such items that would not work in a magical environment included computers, radar and bugging devices. Those types of Muggle devices that were able to work within a magical environment had been adapted to be powered by magic instead. Electrical energy can also cause a spark that light up a fire, causing electric fire.

Muggle usage of electricity in their technology was 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. 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.

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.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)^[1]
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)^[2]
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film) ^[3]
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7

Notes and references