A Short Lesson in Basic Electricity

Here's a basic lesson in electricity so you'll be able to tell apart an Amp, Volt and a Watt.

Amps (short for amperage) measure the strength of an electirc circuit. Ordinary lights are rated at 15 amps so the circuit in the circuit box requires a 15 amp circuit. Thicker 20 amp wires deliver power for small appliances; clothes dryers, electric ranges require 30-50 amps so 2 circuits are are fused together to provide it.

Volts measure electromotive force and Watts equal Volts times Amps.

- Back to Top -