Amperes: The amount of current that flows past a given point in one second is measured in amperes (amps). Amps are basically a function of wire size; the larger the wire, the higher the potential current-carrying capacity.

Watts: The energy per second consumed by a light bulb or an appliance is expressed in watts. Household electrical usage is usually figured in kilowatt-hours (units of 1,000 watts multiplied by the time of usage in hours). The relationship between these three basic units is represented in this formula: volts x amps = watts. If you know two of these values, you can figure the third by multiplying or dividing. For example: A 20-amp circuit at 120 volts can deliver 2,400 watts; a microwave oven that uses 1,000 watts of 120-volt power consumes 8.3 amps.

Conductors: The general term "conductor" applies to anything that permits, or conducts, the flow of electricity. Electricity flows in the path of least resistance, and certain materials allow energy to flow more freely than others. Copper, for example, is a good conductor; most wires are made of copper, although aluminum and copper-clad aluminum wires are also used.
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Resistance: This is the property of an electrical circuit that restricts the flow of current. Electrical resistance or impedance is measured in ohms.

More about your home's electrical system:

• Electrical Basics
• A Basic Electrical Circuit
• Branch Electrical Circuits & Wiring Systems
• Electrical Circuitry 101: Understanding the Basics
• Electrical Tools
• Grounding Electricity
• Home Electrical Service
• How Your Electrical System Works
• Mapping Electrical Circuits
• The Main Electrical Panel, Circuit Breakers & Subpanels

Complete Home Wiring
Electricity provides us with comfort and conveniences that we often take for granted until something goes wrong. Fortunately for the do-it-yourselfer, electrical work is one of the easiest kinds of home improvement and repair.

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