• A measure of the electrical force required to drive the electrical current through the wire
• Measured in volts (V) • In Ireland the standard domestic voltage is 230 V
Did you know
The standard domestic voltage in the United States is 120 V. If an American appliance is plugged in in Ireland, it can damage or burn out the appliance, as the voltage is too strong.
Wattage (W) • A measure of the amount of electrical power used by an appliance • Measured in watts (W)
• The higher the wattage the more electricity used wattage = voltage × amperage
GO FIGURE I23
1000 watts (W) = 1 kilowatt (kWh)
Amperage (A) • A measure of the rate at which electricity (current) flows into an appliance • Measured in amps (A)
• The higher the amp the more electricity flows to the appliance, e.g. a vacuum cleaner is 1 A, an electric cooker is 35 A
amperage = wattage ÷ voltage
Kilowatt per hour (kWh)
• A measure of electrical consumption, also known as a unit of electricity • A one kWh (1,000 watt) appliance used for one hour will use one unit of electricity
Appliance
Electric shower Tumble dryer 100 W bulb
Time taken to use 1 unit/1 kWh 8 minutes 30 minutes 10 hours
GO FIGURE I23
For homes that use electricity as their only energy source, an annual electricity usage of 7000 kWh is common. This costs approximately €1,300 per year.
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In relation to electricity explain each of the following: • kilowatt per hour (kWh)
• voltage. (8) OL
A name plate attached to a vacuum cleaner includes the following information: 220-230 v 1800 w max.
Why are each of the above items of information important for the consumer? (14) OL
