The rate at which electric charge moves past a specific point in a circuit, measured in amperes. In metallic conductors, this flow consists of negatively charged electrons moving toward a positive potential. Current is the fundamental vehicle for transferring electrical power and is the primary quantity that determines the sizing of cables, fuses, and switchgear.
Calculate the expected electric current under full load so we can size the breaker correctly.
Also heard as
- current
Related terms
Fault current
Abnormally high current that flows when insulation fails and a short circuit or earth fault forms.
Inrush current
Large transient current drawn when a transformer, motor or capacitive load is first switched on.
Leakage current
The small amount of current that escapes through insulation to ground under normal operating conditions.
Displacement current
A quantity representing the rate of change of the electric displacement field over time.