Electrical Terms Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Amps, Volts, Watts & More

Electricity powers our homes, businesses, and daily lives—but the terminology around it can be confusing if you're not an electrician. At TJW Electrical, we believe in making things simple and safe. Whether you’re doing some DIY, reading your power bill, or planning an upgrade, understanding a few basic terms can go a long way.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common electrical terms:

Volts (V)

What it is: Voltage is the "pressure" that pushes electrical current through a circuit.

Think of it like water pressure in a pipe. Higher voltage means more force behind the electricity. In homes, most standard outlets supply 230 volts (in Australia), while certain appliances like ovens or air conditioners may require a dedicated higher-voltage circuit.

Amps (A)

What it is: Amperes, or "amps," measure the flow of electrical current—how much electricity is moving through a circuit.

It’s like the volume of water flowing through the pipe. Too many amps on one circuit can overload it and trip the breaker.

Example: A kettle might draw around 10 amps, while a phone charger draws less than 1 amp.

Watts (W)

What it is: Watts measure the total power used by a device. It's a combination of volts and amps:

Watts = Volts × Amps

If your toaster uses 230 volts and draws 5 amps, it uses 1,150 watts of power.

This is the number you often see on appliances to indicate how much energy they consume.

Circuits

What it is: A circuit is a closed loop through which electricity flows. Every light switch, power point, and appliance is part of a circuit.

There are different types:

• Lighting circuits (lower amperage, usually 10A)

• Power circuits (standard outlets, usually 16A or 20A)

• Dedicated circuits (for large appliances like stoves or hot water systems)

Understanding how circuits are split in your home helps prevent overloads and improves safety.

 Breakers & Fuses

What they are: These are safety devices that "break" the circuit if there’s too much current flowing, preventing overheating or fire.

• Fuses melt when overloaded (older systems)

• Circuit breakers switch off automatically and can be reset

If your breaker keeps tripping, it's usually a sign of an overloaded or faulty circuit.

Grounding (Earthing)

What it is: Grounding provides a safe path for electricity to travel to the earth in case of a fault. It protects people from electric shock and appliances from damage.

In Australia, grounding is a standard safety requirement in all modern electrical installations.

Bonus Term: kWh (Kilowatt-hour)

What it is: This is what your electricity provider bills you for. It means using 1,000 watts for one hour.

Example: If your 2,000-watt air conditioner runs for 2 hours, it uses 4 kWh.

Need Help Understanding Your Home’s Electrical Setup?

At TJW Electrical, we’re not just about wires and switches—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed about your home’s power. Whether you have questions, want to upgrade your circuits, or need a safety inspection, we’ve got you covered.