What is the difference between amperes and watts

Amps and Watts are two things that you commonly hear when it comes to how much power will be consumed by certain appliances and lighting fixtures. There is a big difference between the two though as watts is a comprehensive measurement of power while amps is just the quantity of current being drawn.

The amount of power can still vary depending on the voltage. The current in amps and the voltage of the source multiplied is equal to the power draw in watts. For example: a device that draws 2 amps from a 12 volts source is consuming 24 watts while a device that draws 2 amps from a 24 volts source is consuming 48 watts.

Both amps and watts can be measured by instruments. It is easier and simpler though to measure amps as you only need to connect an ammeter in series to the circuit in order to measure the flow. To measure watts, you need to connect an ammeter in series. There are wattmeters available in the market that simplify this process but still operates on the same exact principles. If you want to measure watts on a typical appliance but you do not have a wattmeter, you can just measure the current in amps then multiply it with either V or V, depending on the standard voltage in your part of the world.

Another difference between these two units is where you can actually use them. As amps is the unit of current flow, it is easy to conclude that it is exclusive to electricity. On the other hand, watts can be used to describe power in other types of energy. For example, one horsepower is the equivalent of roughly watts; so you can describe a 2 horsepower engine as having watts of power output. Google Author Verification. Convert amps to watts.

Convert watts to amps. Convert watts to volts, convert volts to watts, convert amps to volts at fixed wattage. How to convert watt to amps. How do I convert amps to watt? Amps converting watt. Volt to watt conversion. Battery backup controller for 12V panels and communications systems. DC input ATX computer power supplies. In terms of the hosepipe example, this would refer to the amount of water being released. For direct current DC the electric current flows only in one direction.

However, in alternating current AC the electric current changes direction at 50 times per second 50 Hz or hertz in the UK supply. An example of direct current would be a battery powered torch. Alternating current AC is used to supply things like houses, buildings and mains connected appliances. The appliance power ratings suggested are indicative only. If you are completing electrical projects in the home please seek out professional advice first.