Electricity

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 Muggles depend on electrical power, such as providing light, communication, and entertainment.

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 quills, parchment, and candles, even in the modern era.

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 torches, and candles are used instead of electric light bulbs.
• Communication: Owl Post, the Floo Network, Apparition, and enchanted objects like the two-way mirrors replace telephones and the internet.
• Transportation: The Knight Bus, Floo Network, broomsticks, and Apparition serve as alternatives to cars, trains, and aeroplanes.
• Household Chores: Household spells perform the functions of washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.

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 enchantments 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.

• 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)