What are Volts? Amps? Ohms? Watts?
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- As electricians, it is important for us to understand the fundamentals of electrical theory. In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin walks us through Volts, Amps, Watts & Ohms.
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Let’s start off with Volts. In an electrical circuit, voltage equals pressure. Low pressure = lower voltage and high pressure = higher voltage. A good analogy to use to try to wrap your head around things is water. Voltage is the same as how hard the water is coming out of the water hose. It can also be called a difference in potential. So, when measuring voltage with your meter you may be able to read 120v or 240v in residential applications or up to 480v in commercial or industrial applications. In electrical calculations, Voltage is written as V or E.
The next term we should cover is Amperage. While voltage is pressure, amperage is current flow. Again, this term is directly proportional. Lower amperage = lower current flow and higher amperage = higher current flow. Going back to our water analogy, amperage could be thought of as how much water is flowing, not necessarily how HARD. In electrical terminology, amperage is written as A or I.
Resistance is the next term to discuss. Resistance is opposition to current flow. Everything electrically that we use has some form of resistance in it. From a light bulb to a vacuum to a television and so on. The interesting thing about resistance is that it slows down current flow to a rate that is usable. Without some form of resistance, the current flow would be so high that we would short our circuit out (this is what happens when we take our load out of a circuit and hook the hot wire straight up to our neutral. BANG!) in electrical calculations resistance is written as R or the omega symbol and is measured in Ohms.
Lastly, we will talk about Watts. Wattage is how much power is being consumed/expended. The lower the wattage the smaller the load is. Take a light bulb for instance. A 60w lamp is not as bright as a 100w lamp. But it’s not just confined to lamps. Every piece of equipment has a wattage rating; toasters, vacuums, tv’s etc.
These simple terms can also be used in conjunction with one another to find one that is missing. Basic Ohm’s law. So, for example, if you knew what voltage your equipment was operating at and how many amps it drew, you could use the Ohms law formula of voltage x amperage = wattage.
This is the first explanation of voltage that I could find that WASN'T using the hose analogy, and also the first one that actually made sense. Thank you!
Same! Hose analogy is irritating
I spent 3 months in the Navy learning circuit boards for computer systems and how to manipulate the electrical flow. This video has actually helped clarify that training even further.
Which one can kill a insect faster, "72v dc 15watts" or "20v dc 15watts"? I think the 72v because it has more volts but I'm ignorant.
I was an aircraft electrician in the Navy and my only job was swapping out parts and sending them off to be fixed. I really appreciate this video because it helps me explain my job better and feel more confident about the knowledge I gained and experiences I've had.
I was a 1 year, part-time apprentice, today when I fully understood the differences between "Volt Amperes" and "Watts". :D Thank you for this video!
You take as long as you want to explain these things. Best explanations I've ever listened to. Thanks.
You are a phenomenal teacher. I’ve literally never heard this explained so well and all the descriptors and analogies were perfect!
Well thank you my friend!
@Electrician U no one answered me properly. Which one has more energy, or can kill a insect faster, "17 volt dc 15watts" or "20v dc 15watts"?
@BOREDANDWELLBORED well they have the same power. The difference is that the higher voltage lower Amp version, would back a heavier punch in more concentration I'd assume. Depends on the curcumstance I suppose.
@@BOREDANDWELLBOREDthe watts only represents the load being used at that time. The amps are at 72v =4.8 amps. At 20v =1.3amps. So technically the 72 volts would be more dangerous due to having a higher current flow.
Was learning about this in class last night, great timing my man.
Waking up and see my morning lesson all ready and waiting for me.thanks D
Oh my! First let me say that when you started the video and you explained who this video was for… It was definitely me! This was the best teaching I have heard in a long time. It’s a complicated topic and you taught it in a way that did not embarrass people because of the difficulties. Amazing job! I wish you were my rabbi!
I have a degree in Engineering and this explains things way better than any of my professors did.
It's amazing that anyone can read a sentence 100x times, they can practice it, apply it, and teach it. Yet they have no fundamental understanding of the forces at work. It is awesome that you are an engineer. Thank you for your service. What type?
@@nathangilbert1344 I am a Mechanical Engineer for GE Aviation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm thinking about teaching a class or two at night at the Community college here. They are looking for a PLC and Industrial wiring teacher but I think someone could save a semester of school by just watching your videos.
@@givemebackmypurse.6894 That's really cool. I highly encourage you to take that position. I think a lot of the problem with modern education is too many tenured professors. Part time people who are working in their respective fields while teaching are worth the cost of the class. They give you pertinent industrial information and actually know what's going on. They aren't just speaking from a 10 or 20 year old perspective in fast moving industries.
It is a little embarassing that you are an engineer and you don't know how volts amps ohms and watts work...I would not want you to work in my company
@@IsaiYunowell you don't have a company so tough shit 😂
Really good job ,well done thank you so much.
Наистина добра свършена работа, много ви благодаря.
FROM BULGARIAN MAN.
Thanks for the explanation of volt amps. This is the first time I understood the difference between VA and Wattage. Now I need to go study reactance since it might make sense now.
these videos are the best im a new apprentice with no school and feel like bing watching these videos i know more than people that went to school
Dude thank you so much. I've hated my last few jobs and have been looking into becoming an electrician. Did a great job on explaining these to a layman
I never thought I'd need to know this stuff but with everything being battery powered and me not knowing anything about it and wanting to ramp up your videos help a lot.
The amazing thing is the moment you talked about heating the elements in a toaster I immediately realized I needed to go make myself some toast..
Now I want some toast
These videos keep getting better and better. Thank you bro !
I am in auto electrical which has started yesterday . You are very informative, hilarious and I can comprehend.
Genius explanation. I’m so impressed with the delivery. Your translation of science is motivating curious minds and educating. Bravo….Bravo
Im a new apprentice, about a year in and I'm learning and retaining a lot. I absolutely enjoy this field of work. My biggest hurdle is understanding 208v, and 277/408 and I cant find anytthing online to brea kit down better, and my Journeymen is explaining it but im just not grasping it.
They’re different potentials based off the transformation done. 3 phase requires including the square root of 3 in calculation. 120/208 = 120x1.73=208. 277/480 = 277x1.73=480. It’s a bit more complicated than this but this explains where the voltages come from to an extent. Let me know if that helps any.
BEST DAMN EXPLANATION IVE EVER COME ACROSS !!!!!!! NOW IT IS CLEAR. !!!! Im going to watch this a couple times THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm getting ready to apply for the ibew, I was pausing this vid and logically working outcomes I thought would happen and I was right on a few of them, I have so many questions. I literally cannot wait to get into this trade.
awesome explanation! I never understand it clearly until now even with the water analogy. GOD bless you man
Thank you so much for your explanation to all beginners. The ways, words you tried best to can make all of us understand easiest.
Thank you so much man, just starting electrical school and this video helped me understand better.
As always, excellent explanation. Been working with electricity a long time and studying it…..still find useful information and ways of thinking about electricity in each and every video you make. I have “stolen” a lot of your electrical descriptions when helping new maintenance staff understand and work with electricity. Keep up the good work.
Good teaching skills. Thanks!
Dustin you are a superhero. You will deny this title by default because youre not a trash ass human. thank you for this whole channel man.
Not you telling him what to do😂
you had some great analogies, you're a good teacher, this is helping me a lot with understanding amplifiers and speakers, because all 4 variables determine how good a speaker/amplifier is, which is amazing to think off, as a kid we always only thought "oh yeah, more watt more better", certainly not true.
Using the G.I bill to attend an Electrician Technician program. Great intro to the foundational basics.
Super helpful, thanks for taking the time to make this.
Thank you sir! This helps me understand more about electricity 🙏👌👍
Thank you for helping me move my knowledge forward.
The more you understand this topic the easier it is to understand the code and more complex topics.
Splendid Dustin!
Thank you..... Great video ! Happy Friday.
Awesome video, thanks, finally starting to make sense
Love your videos, I’ve been finding them very helpful. Crazy that you’re right here in Austin too.
This was helpful. I'm able to understand how to apply it now.
Love the simple explanation.Thanks Dustin
Appreciate for all the videos you have put.. I am taking classes at community college and your videos are very helpful. Wish you were my instructor :) at college
Dude, you are a phenomenal teacher. If you so desired you could easily teach at a university using these YT videos in your portfolio as your teaching prowess. All that might be needed is a little brushing up on the higher "maths" (if you have to), though the act of teaching it would have the same effect.
I'm sure there's more control over your life and time via social media though, although that's probably a time consuming hassle in it's own right.
Thanks again bro 😎👍🏽
Thanks Bro for all that you do! You Inspire me to keep pushing to become an Electrician.
Perfect thank you so very much I think I might understand now this was the easiest one to understand yet that I could find here on UA-cam thank you so very much I'm so dumb sorry
@ElectricianU - i'm building a small heated paint storage room in an unheated garage. Think of a space 4x8 x 9' tall with some shelves, and a door, insulated walls. I want to install a heater. Oil Filled electric space heaters run at 120 volts, consume up to 1500 watts, and put off a set amount of BTU's. There are also 4 foot electric base board heaters, that lack the thermal mass of the oil filled electric radiator style that come in 120 and 240 volts. I found your video as I searched for information on "higher voltages, consume lower amps, and are cheaper to run." But with electric heat, I got the impression that a watt of energy in, regardless of whether its 1 leg at 120 or 2 leg at 240, will produce the same BTU's. And instead of drawing 15 amps on one leg, I'd just be drawing 7.5 amps on two legs, and thus wind up with the same bill from the electric company at the end of the month, and I have to give up the thermal mass of the oil filled radiator if I go to 240.
BUT, i have the sense i'm missing something. Can you go more into depth on how this works with AC voltage, and amperage, and how that relates to creating BTU's with electric heat, and the Kilowatt Hour Draw and expense? I love the geeky math stuff. Thanks!!
Love your videos thank you for the sketches and putting all in simplest terms!! I have a question 🙋♂️ please educate me on this.
Thanks in advance. Let’s say you open a electrical box and find some oxidized copper conductors in the breaker and ground terminals? What happens when conductors oxidize ? Do they stop having continuity ? Could this be a hazard to the conductors it self, meaning they will heat up more and create a fire hazard? Will the energy bill be higher. Thank you ! God bless
Thanks for the clarification. Helps tons
Nice explanation
I've got a question now. I have a 10Hp AC compressor motor. I need to make it variable speed. What would you recommend to do this, a , VFD, a pot? what and why please.
I appreciate you explaining the internals of a breaker box, the how they skip over each other, or only connect every other one is what I needed to know. Much thanks for that.
Well done my friend, well done
Great info.explained. Thanks Justin.
It's nice just as a refresher. Great job.
In the 70s, just out of high school, I built a two-bedroom home with my own two hands. The only power I had was a temporary pole that was supposed to be just for running power tools while building the home. Everything worked for many years. I put a window air-conditioner in for one of the bedrooms. Plenty of power for everything. All on a temporary pole that was supposed to be just for building the home. I sold that home and there is a family living in it now. I paid cash for my second home I did not build myself. Years later, I built what amounts to a cabin on the edge of a national forest. It is one-room with no indoor plumbing. I put one line in from the pole that was for the water well pump, to the cabin. Converted to 120, of course. It powered everything great. Including a small air conditioner. And a 240-volt welder. Recently, my radio started buzzing and a TV that only plays old movie video tapes, started having lines across the screen. My brother and I went back to the cabin for hunting season. And there was no power at all. We converted the welder plug-in to 120 volts. And ran a new line from the pump house to the cabin. I have not used that welder in decades. I made a utility trailer with it. That worked for a while. Now, I only have enough power for two overhead lights, and a fan. Nowhere near enough power for the air conditioner. A man from the power company said the power going into the meter is OK. He even took the time to look at my wiring on my side of the meter and said he saw nothing wrong. Obviously, he had to be careful because he was not responsible for anything on my side of the meter. And was going beyond his job as a power company employee. But he told me he could see nothing wrong with the wiring. My only real problem now is that the fan works, but the compressor does not have enough power. The air conditioner keeps going off when the compressor kicks on. During hunting season, I do not need air conditioning. But I want to do some fishing in the warm months. I do not understand why the power worked for decades. And now I have problems. I have a generator I got for power outages during and after hurricanes. But it would be a waste of money. All that gas.
😄👍Good Stuff, Great Tips
You are 100 percent correct it depends on the application of the circuit such as ceiling fan circuit sound system such as entertainment system intercom security system video surveillance dishwasher washing machine dryer
Great videos. Get better and better. Thank you for what you do. Keep the videos coming brother🤘
This is a great video!
Impedance=Reactance/Resistance, Volts=Pressure, Amps=Current, Watts=Usage and VA=Storage, was a huge help. I'm assuming resistance is measured in OHM's and reactance is measured in VA, because reactance involves capacitors?
Great explanation! Your a good teacher. Thank you!
It helped a lot
Anything but a clear explanation. I particularly appreciated the "runners and cows" thing. Totally clarified, Ohms,...um,...impedance,...um,....resistance,...aw never mind.
I kind of love how you "simplified" it. I think maybe there were a lot of side points, but electricity is good like that. Shit takes time to actually understand! 🤣
Appreciate the video!
The hydraulic analogy is nice, but I think going back to the physics definitions can help. Voltage is the energy per unit charge, or Joules per Coulomb. How much can each electron potentially do? Amps are Coulombs per second. How quickly are electrons whipping thru. These two definitions make it very clear how Voltage times Amperage gives Power in Watts, or Joules per second.
I like this one much better. Straight to the point with relevant definitions AND makes the introduction of power factor much easier to comprehend. Kudos 👍🏻👍🏻💯
Can you pretty please do a video explaining how shunts work as you are extremely good at explaining these things thank you
Love this!!!!! Good video good breakdown.
Me maestro! Teach me great master! I wish you were my mentor in field operations.
My first class!!
Excellent!!!
Good afternoon. Im about to change my career as an electrician. I’m about to take a course next month to better prepare myself with basic electrical skills, this program is thru MassHire. Do you provide entry level videos that would help me become an electrician. My short term goal is to become an apprentice. Thank you for all your videos. They mean a lot to me.
Thank you so much.
Not only did my daughter get to learn about electricity she also got to learn how dishonorable, simpleton cavemen talk at 5:37, 1:30 ....outstanding!
Thaks for the explanation
Thank you!
Love the breakdown.
The resistance conversations sounds like pvc connections in plumbing. Most plumbers get out their glue and cleaner and glue their pipe together. Well technically it’s primer and solvent cement used to make a solvent weld. So some will say that in the same way as you refer to impedance
I can't find the merch store In the description. Can u show me please
10/10 thanks
I think we need examples.
Like from an angle of if u building a battery what u need to consider for safety and power etc
Coukd u make such a video? U best one u come across. But it still a little on jargon side as total beginner.
Thanks
Awesome bro
I’ve been scouring the internet for the following question and I get mixed answers: When measuring for amperage on a 220v circuit that only has two 110v conductors, do I add the amperage reading on both conductors together or do I only use the reading on one conductors to know how much amperage my pump is drawing? I’ve been told that I must add both readings together because both are live wires but I’ve also been told that I only need to measure one because they both cancel each other out.
I was wondering if you could do a video on low voltage systems like you would see in yard lighting. Specifically AC ones, like the one I have :)
Cutie pie can you sum everything up at the end? It'll be helpful. This video was STILL hellllllla goo's, appreciated your time brotha
Question; Can you do a video on "Ghost Voltage"?
will there be anymore electrical videos on electrician u? I’m in va and there is no course section for me to use and i liked the videos
Outstanding class once again, Professor! Again, watch the language. Also, take a cheese grater to those tats, or wear a checkered suit jacket with elbow patches, and get yourself an S shaped tobacco pipe from your local tobacconist. Dan, Lori real professor
When is your tool belt coming out?
Quick question, if the voltage on my multimeter is jumping around, like on a welding machine, how do you know correct voltage?
Thank you
Outstanding
I've got a tool trailer question 12v I've got some bake lights and signal lights but no running lights I have a nice klein tester but cant find the problem?
What is a good beginner's voltage tester like fluke what does AC DC capacitance and temperature
Thank you kind sir
There is resistance in batteries. This resistance is what controls the maximum current you can get from a battery. A 1970’s AA alkaline battery has way more resistance than a new lithium AA battery. This is why you never put new lithium batteries into 1960’s electronics. The circuit was designed with the resistance of the battery helping keep down the current.
If you put a lithium AA into a 1960’s radio, too much current will go through the radio and might destroy some components because they will overheat.
yes to internal resistance of batteries, but the internal resistance is small compared to any external load. When designing circuits, it is usually the no load battery voltage that is used to calculate current draw. Any internal resistance of the battery will just reduce current flow and voltage.. I cannot see how a lithium batteries of the same voltage as alkaline will harm a circuit. I would like to see examples of this.
Would the resistor be how many amps a certain device or product is rated for?
I chuckle the way electricians that work with AC try and use DC formulas.
As a EE for over 50 years. I always chuckle at Electricians screw up simple terminology. His graphic of reluctant & resistance are both impedance is incorrect. Impedance is the RESISTANCE at a particular frequency & voltage. Resistance is purely linear.
impedance = resistance at a certain frequency. Once you change frequency the impedance is no longer the same. Take a look at resonant circuits. If you measure the resistance with a meter, and think that would be the same over any frequency, you would be dead wrong.
A watt is considered power. In a DC circuit a watt is calculated by V*I, not so in an AC circuit. As wattage is AVERAGED by using formulas to calculate RMS. Think of it this way, as AC voltage rises and falls during its cycle, if you were to calculate the wattage at a particular time in the wave, you would see the wattage calculation changing, therefore electricians cant use the term wattage, the correct term is Voltamps (VA) which is simply volts * amps. But VA is NOT the same as wattage. Its just simpler to use VA.
BTW 1 watt = 1 joule per second
He explained the difference between VA and watts, even though for calculation's sake, their values represent the same thing.
He explained "wattage" refers to something that "gives off energy" like Lights, heaters, motors. something expels the energy.
He explained VA as something that uses, or stores, that energy. Pretty much anything other than lights, heaters or motors.
Thank you for the EXPLANATION that in AC circuits the watts change during
the CYCLE . (60 cycles in North America) Hence the term VA. as in 60KVA
and 120KVA. You are the first teacher to actually state this difference.
roy yung
Thanks for the explaination of VA vs W.
If 1W = 1 J/s , does that mean that with AC, each cycles represents 0.01666 Joule ?
60hz
@@martf1061 how did you arrive a that number? PF?
roy Yung. Where does REACTIVE power come into the mix when discussing VA, if at all? Thank you. Very informative paragraph. Making the connection to RMS makes the subject very clear. 240V RMS being a peak voltage of about 339.46 volts.
Hi, I wonder if can you explain the electrical load balancing. Thank you
Are you still working? Do you have a crew? Would be interesting to have a series on the business/ becoming a contractor
Perfect!
If i wanna upgrade 200v 330uf to 500v did i need 330uf one ?
Doesn't reactance apply primarily to AC circuits or frequency? Why didn't you say that? Other than that, this is a great video.