What is Wattage?
Wattage is a measurement of electrical power in an electrical system, indicating how much energy a device uses or delivers per second. It is calculated by multiplying voltage (volts) by current (amperes), expressed in watts (W). For example, a 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts of electricity when operating.
In residential and commercial electrical services, understanding wattage is essential for designing safe and efficient systems. Electricians use wattage ratings to determine the correct wire sizes, circuit breaker capacities, and to ensure that circuits are not overloaded. For instance, overloading a circuit with too much wattage can lead to overheating and fire risks, while proper wattage assessments support optimal energy efficiency and equipment longevity.
