Although there are numerous terms used in electrical engineering those which really concern the householder are volts, amps and watts. A volt is the unit of electrical pressure which as already explained is standard at 240Y in the UK from the mains supply.
Apart from being lethal this comparatively high voltage makes it essential that all ‘flexible cords, cables, switches, socket outlets and other accessories used in home installations are of the correct type designed for 24OV , working without any likelihood of leakage of dangerous currents which would result in fire and shock. In addition it is imperative that electrical work is done properly and is correctly maintained by qualified electricians to prevent leakage of dangerous currents,
The amp is the unit of current, and this determines the sizes of flexible cords and cables and the current capacity of electrical wiring accessories, that is, switches and socket outlets. The watt is the unit of power and represents the electrical loading of a lamp or appliance and therefore the current consumption. The watt is the product of the voltage and current; multiply the volts by the current and the result is the wattage. 1000 watts equal 1 kilowatt. A 1KW appliance switched on for one hour consumes 1KWH (1 unit) of electricity. Electrical appliances are usually rated in watts (or KWs). To calculate the current in amps when the wattage is known, so that the correct size of flexible cord or cable is chosen, divide the watts by the voltage. For example, a 2-bar electrical fire having a loading of 2000 watts consumes 2000W / 240Y =8.4 A.