The majority of the appliances in your home run on AC power, via a 120V wall outlet that is standard in the US. AmpsĬonverting amps to watts is easy, and the formula is the same whether you're working with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).ĪC power is used in our modern electrical grid, as this type of electricity is easy to transmit over long distances without losses. AmpsĪnd here's another chart, this time converting amps to watts at several common AC voltages. Here's a chart converting amps to watts at several common DC voltages. The wide pipe is less resistant than the narrow pipe.Or would you rather convert watts to amps? Amps to Watts Conversion Chart For example, less water willīe able to flow through a narrow pipe than a wide pipe, at the same pressure. The hydraulic analogy, ohms represent pipe size. Ohms measure that precise amount of resistance. Within anĮlectrical circuit, resistance is derived from any material or object that What is an Ohm?Īn ohm defines electrical resistance. Apparent powerĬalculates how much electrical power the current will draw once active. Power defines how much energy (heat) is consumed or generated.

Measure “apparent power,” while watts measure “real power.” Real If both volt-amperes and watts are derived from multiplying voltage by amperage, how are the concepts distinct? While it is true that both watts and volt-amperes measure electrical power, the type of power measured is different. The Difference Between Volt-Amperes and Watts Mill, watts would represent the energy created to power the mill. For example, if the water system described above was used to operate a Watts measure the power that is actually generated within the electrical Of power flow that results from amps flowing through a volt’s electromotiveįorce. Simplify power ratings, helping to determine how much power the current willĭerived from the formula V x A = W, a watt is the rate Power, calculated by multiplying voltage by amperage. Volt-amperes are units of measurement for “apparent” electrical Of water, volts carry the water through the circuit. Therefore, while amps represent the volume Volts represent the difference in potential that drives amps With their own distinct functions within an electrical circuit. What is the difference between volts and amps?Īmps and volts perform complementary to one another TheĬonstant current equals 1 ampere, and the energy dissipated between the points Potential difference exists between two points of aĬonductor usually made of wire and consistently carries the current. Voltage, also abbreviated as volts or classified as “V”, represents theĭifference in potential. Represent the speed at which electrons pass a specific point within the closedĬircuit. Voltage can be compared to water pressure. To put this in perspective,Ī single lightning strike measures at approximately 20,000 amps. For example,Ī home dishwasher may have a rating around 10 amps. Within an electrical circuit, amps measure theĮlectrical current, or the volume (not speed) of electrons present. Water moving past any specific point at a certain moment.

What is Amperage?Īmperage is a term commonly abbreviated to “amps” or classifiedĪs “A.” In the water analogy described above, amps would define the volume of Important role in the flow of electricity. Each individual electrical term – amps, volts, and watts – plays an Like the water, moves in a continuous circular fashion through a conductor, exemplifyingĪ wire. The circuit made by the water represents electrical flow. Picture water flowing within a closed system, such asĪ pipe. (SI) and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). We unpack each electrical term as defined by the International System of Units Their differences? Can they be used interchangeably? In the following content,

What exactly do amps, volts, and watts mean? What are Are you familiar with how many amps your dishwasher is rated for? Or, for devices like uninterruptible power systems (UPS) that hardly mention watts, do you refer to them instead as “volt-amperes?” You know how many watts your coffee maker needs to work effectively?Īdditionally, similar terms such as “amps” and “volts” can quickly be confused with watts. Perhaps your floor lamp at home requires 60 or 90-watt light bulbs. The term “watts” often describes power or electricity.

Watts to amps