Wattage, Amperage and Voltage Explained
Understanding the relationship between amperage (amps) and wattage (watts) is key to making informed decisions when it comes to LED lighting. While both are crucial electrical measurements, they describe different aspects of electricity and how your LED products consume power.
What is Wattage?
Think of wattage as the total power consumed by a device. For LED lights, the wattage indicates how much energy the fixture uses to produce light. This is the number you'll often see on your electricity bill, as it directly relates to the energy consumption of your lighting. The higher the wattage, the more power is being used.
What is Amperage?
Amperage, or amps, measures the rate at which electrical current flows through a circuit. It essentially tells you "how much" electricity is moving. This measurement is particularly important for electricians and lighting planners because circuit breakers are designed to handle a specific amp load. Exceeding this limit can cause a breaker to trip, interrupting power.
The Relationship: Watts = Amps x Volts
The crucial connection between watts and amps is voltage. Voltage is the electrical "pressure" that pushes the current. In the United States, standard residential outlets typically provide 120 volts.The simple formula that ties them all together is: Watts (W) = Amps (A) × Volts (V) This means that if you know any two of these values, you can calculate the third.
How This Applies to LED Products
One of the biggest advantages of LED lighting is its efficiency. LEDs convert a much higher percentage of the power they consume into light rather than heat, unlike older incandescent bulbs. This means that for the same amount of light output, LED products generally have significantly lower wattage and, as a result, draw fewer amps.Let's look at an example:
If you have a 120-volt circuit and an LED light fixture that consumes 10 watts, the amp draw would be:
Amps = Watts / Volts
Amps = 10W / 120V = 0.083 Amps
Compare this to an older incandescent bulb producing similar light output, which might draw 0.5 amps or more. This lower amp draw for LEDs is incredibly beneficial for several reasons:
More Lights per Circuit: Because LEDs draw fewer amps, you can safely install more LED light fixtures on a single electrical circuit without overloading it. This can lead to cost savings on wiring and installation.
Energy Efficiency and Savings: Lower wattage directly translates to lower energy consumption, which means a smaller electricity bill for your home or business.
Circuit Safety: Understanding the amp draw of your LED lights helps ensure you stay within the limits of your circuit breakers, preventing trips and ensuring the safety of your electrical system.
At Denver LED Direct, we're committed to helping you understand the technical aspects of LED lighting so you can make the best choices for your needs. If you have any questions about the wattage or amperage of our LED products, don't hesitate to reach out!