Most of our life includes using some sort of instrument that uses electricity. It may be just something as simple as doing household chores or doing yard work, but most of the time we can't escape electricity. For this reason, it's good to at least understand some basics of this important utility which could make our lives easier.
When using anything, especially appliances, it's good to know the maximum voltage that is needed for it to run. Bigger appliances run on 220 or 240 volts, with some variation, which is to be expected. Smaller appliances may run on 120 volts, which means that the average outlet can handle two of such appliances. If you think of electrical current as water running through a pipe, the voltage would be the amount of water running through it. So the more water running through a pipe is like high voltage going through a conductor.
Something else that could be considered a fundamental electrical term is resistance. This is measured in Ohms (Ω), and refers to the ease with which the voltage can pass through a material, or conductor. Most metals are considered an electrical conductor and are rated with various ranges of resistance, and the lower the resistance the better it is to use. Also, if you think of the analogy with water going through a pipe, the larger the pipes the easier it is for water to go through, likewise, the larger the wire, the less resistance for the electrical current. Copper has low resistance and is used very often in the construction of electrical wires. So what does this all mean? Well, if you are using something with a high voltage make sure the cable or wire for it is suitable.
Hopefully, these brief explanations can help you to understand this important function of your household.
When using anything, especially appliances, it's good to know the maximum voltage that is needed for it to run. Bigger appliances run on 220 or 240 volts, with some variation, which is to be expected. Smaller appliances may run on 120 volts, which means that the average outlet can handle two of such appliances. If you think of electrical current as water running through a pipe, the voltage would be the amount of water running through it. So the more water running through a pipe is like high voltage going through a conductor.
Something else that could be considered a fundamental electrical term is resistance. This is measured in Ohms (Ω), and refers to the ease with which the voltage can pass through a material, or conductor. Most metals are considered an electrical conductor and are rated with various ranges of resistance, and the lower the resistance the better it is to use. Also, if you think of the analogy with water going through a pipe, the larger the pipes the easier it is for water to go through, likewise, the larger the wire, the less resistance for the electrical current. Copper has low resistance and is used very often in the construction of electrical wires. So what does this all mean? Well, if you are using something with a high voltage make sure the cable or wire for it is suitable.
Hopefully, these brief explanations can help you to understand this important function of your household.
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