======Electricity======
=====Introduction=====
**Electricity** is a form of energy fundamental to [[Muggle]] technology and daily life. Within the [[Wizarding world]], it is a largely foreign concept, and its associated devices are generally incompatible with heavily magical environments. Wizards and witches primarily use [[magic]] to achieve outcomes for which [[Muggle]]s depend on electrical power, such as providing [[light]], communication, and entertainment.
=====Incompatibility with Magic=====
The most definitive explanation for the failure of electricity in the magical world comes from //[[Hogwarts, A History]]//. In their fourth year, [[Hermione Granger]] explains to [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] why electronic surveillance devices would not work on the [[Hogwarts]] grounds.
  * According to the book, areas with a high concentration of ambient [[magic]], such as [[Hogwarts Castle]], cause [[Muggle]] technology to malfunction. [[Hermione]] explicitly states that "all that stuff with plugs" does not work.
  * Specific examples of non-functional devices mentioned include computers, radar, and bugging devices.
This principle explains the widespread use of pre-industrial technology in the [[Wizarding world]], such as [[quill]]s, [[parchment]], and [[candle]]s, even in the modern era.
=====Wizarding Perspective and Alternatives=====
Most wizards display a profound lack of understanding regarding electricity and [[Muggle]] technology in general. [[Arthur Weasley]], despite his position in the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]], famously expresses a naive fascination with the concept, which he pronounces "eckeltricity," and is deeply curious about the function of items like electrical [[plugs]].
Wizards have developed magical substitutes for nearly every electrical appliance:
  * **Lighting:** The [[Lumos]] [[spell]], enchanted [[torch]]es, and [[candle]]s are used instead of electric light bulbs.
  * **Communication:** [[Owl Post]], the [[Floo Network]], [[Apparition]], and enchanted objects like the two-way [[mirror]]s replace telephones and the internet.
  * **Transportation:** The [[Knight Bus]], [[Floo Network]], [[broomstick]]s, and [[Apparition]] serve as alternatives to cars, trains, and aeroplanes.
  * **Household Chores:** Household [[spell]]s perform the functions of washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.
=====Notable Exceptions=====
A notable exception to this rule is the small, portable radio that [[Harry]], [[Ron]], and [[Hermione]] use to listen to the clandestine //[[Potterwatch]]// program during the [[Second Wizarding War]]. While the text does not explain how it functions, [[Hermione]] mentions that getting a clear signal through the various protective [[enchantment]]s they used was very difficult. This suggests the primary obstacle was magical interference with the signal rather than a complete power failure of the device itself.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * J.K. Rowling clarified the matter of the radio on her official website. She explained that wizards can make [[Muggle]] devices work by enchanting them to run on [[magic]] instead of electricity. This "magically-jiggered" equipment is the exception to the rule that electricity and [[magic]] do not mix. The radio used to hear //[[Potterwatch]]// is presumed to be one such object. (J.K. Rowling website)
  * The [[Hogwarts Express]] is another apparent blend of [[Muggle]] technology (a steam engine) and [[magic]], though it does not rely on electricity. (Pottermore)