Glossary  >  Amperage

Amperage

Noun

Amperage refers to the strength of an electric current and is measured in amperes (amps). It describes the flow of electrical current through a system or the maximum amount of electrical charge that the system can safely handle.

Think of it this way: if voltage is analogous to water pressure, amperage would be like the flow rate of the water.

Amperage is crucial for electrical safety. It is the key factor in determining the danger an electrical system poses to humans, more so than voltage or wattage. Electrical safety standards, such as those outlined by OSHA 1910.269, often use amperage as a primary metric for establishing safety protocols in workplaces.

Furthermore, amperage helps determine whether an electrical system can manage a specific amount of electricity without damage, as the heat generated by an electric system increases with amperage.

Example of Amperage in a sentence:

"The amperage of an outlet will determine how much power your phone charger can draw."

Related Terms for Amperage:

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