International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

What is the BEST definition of electrical amperage?

1. It is the voltage of an electrical circuit

2. It is the resistance to electrical flow

3. It is the power of an electrical current

4. It is the speed of electrical flow

The correct answer is: It is the power of an electrical current

The concept of electrical amperage refers to the measure of the flow of electric current in a circuit. It quantifies how much electric charge is passing a point in a circuit over a specific period of time. When referring to "power" in the context of electrical current, it is important to understand that amperage is a key component in calculating power, as power (measured in watts) is derived from both amperage and voltage according to the formula: Power (P) = Voltage (V) x Current (I). This definition reinforces the idea that amperage is intrinsically connected to the concept of power. By understanding that amperage indicates the current's capability to perform work in an electrical circuit, it becomes clear why it is viewed as a measure of the power of that electrical current flowing through the circuit.