The flow of electric charge carriers, usually electrons, through a conductive medium. Measured in amperes, it is the actual movement of energy that performs work in a circuit, generates heat in conductors, and creates magnetic fields in motors and transformers. Protection engineers focus heavily on interrupting abnormal levels of it during faults.
Heard on the job
Check the phase current on the secondary side to see if the load is balanced.
Also heard as
- electric current
Related terms
Voltage
The difference in electrical potential between two points that drives current through a circuit.
Fault current
Abnormally high current that flows when insulation fails and a short circuit or earth fault forms.
Impedance
Total opposition a circuit offers to alternating current, combining resistance and reactance, in ohms.