How to Understand Energy Usage Via Volts, Watts and Amps

Science Concept: Volts, Watts, and Amps

Electricity is measured in terms of amperage, voltage, and wattage. 

Amperage (amps for short) is a measure of the AMOUNT of electricity used. 

Voltage (volts) measures the pressure, or FORCE, of electricity. The amps multiplied by the volts gives you the 

wattage (watts), a measure of the WORK that electricity does per second.

Think of it this way: Electricity flowing through a wire is like water flowing through a garden hose. The amount of water that can fit through the hose depends on the diameter of the hose (amps). The pressure of the water depends on how far open the faucet is (volts). The amount of work that can be done (watts) depends on both the amount and the pressure of the water (volts x amps = watts).

Electrical Safety 101

Basic Electrical Safety

Fire Due to Overload

Another common fault condition that causes electric fires is an overload condition.  Overload is distinct from a short circuit. An overload condition occurs when there is an electric fault in a system that results in abnormally high amounts of current but far less than a short circuit.  In other words, an overload fault results in significantly reduced resistance, but resistance that also remains significantly above 0 – unlike a short circuit fault.  Complex industrial systems present many opportunities for such faults.  In Figure #7 there is a simple power circuit that can be used to illustrate an overload fault. 

This circuit consists of 3 identical heaters that are 4 ohms each and generate 1600 watts of energy each.  They are in series so the total resistance of this circuit is 12 ohms.  Now if a fault occurs across the base of two of the heaters as shown in figure #8, these two heaters are effectively taken out of the circuit reducing the total resistance of the circuit to 4 ohms.

The voltage drop across the remaining heater will increase by a factor of 3 and because of the reduced resistance the current will increase by a factor of 3. The power generated by the heater will increase from 1600 watts to 14400 watts.   The physical design of this system will in most likelihood not be able to safely dissipate such a major increase in the thermal energy generated in this location. Moreover a circuit breaker with an oversized trip value will not eliminate this fault.  The circuit breaker must be sized appropriate to the load to ensure it will detect this type of fault and disconnect power to this circuit.  Figure #9 shows how this system can be modified to protect against the risk of fire that results from this single fault.  This example demonstrates why sizing circuit breakers appropriate to the load is an essential part of electrical safety and the correct way to protect against overload faults. 

Safety Tips For Your Electric Heater Rental

Safety is our #1 Priority at 1st Cooling! Below are some tips to keep in mind when operating your electric heater. 

1. Water and Electricity DON'T MIX! Keep your heater far from any water source and do not touch it if you are wet.

2. Never try to dry anything with your heater. Even if just for a few minutes, keep soggy or wet clothes far from your heater. 

3. Don’t leave the heater operating while unattended.

4. Do place a heater only on a stable, level surface, in a spot where it won’t get kicked, knocked over, or tripped over.

5. Don’t place a heater closer than 3 feet (0.9 m) from any combustible materials, including papers, boxes, plastic bags or vinyl sheeting/tarps, upholstered furniture, drapes/curtains, etc.

6. Do make sure the heater cord plug fits tightly into the electrical outlet; avoid using outlets where the plug feels like a loose fit.

7. Don’t plug the heater into an extension cord or power strip, and discontinue use of the heater if you determine the plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is hot.

8. Don’t run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting, because this can lead to cord damage which can cause a fire.

For more information about your portable heating and cooling needs, please give us a call at 

(972) 447-0555

or visit our website at 

1stcooling.com