Current

How it is used

Used constantly in design, testing and safety. Current flows, is drawn by a load and is limited, measured or sensed. Common phrases are current draw, rated current, leakage current, inrush current and overcurrent. In small electronics, values are usually in milliamps (mA).

Example sentences

1. The motor draws about 8 A of current at full load.

2. In sleep mode the current drops to 20 microamps, so the battery should last two years.

Common collocations

• current draw
• rated current
• leakage current
• draw current
• limit the current

Related terms

• voltageThe electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit, in other words the potential difference between two points. It is measured in volts (V).
• resistanceHow strongly a material or component opposes the flow of electric current. It is measured in ohms (Ω); for the same voltage, higher resistance means less current.
• powerThe rate at which electrical energy is used or delivered. In a DC circuit it equals voltage multiplied by current, and it is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).
• multimeterA handheld or bench instrument that measures voltage, current and resistance, and often continuity, capacitance and frequency as well. It is the most basic tool for electrical testing.
• overloadA condition in which a circuit, cable or machine carries more current or power than it is rated for over a period of time. Unlike a short circuit, it builds up heat gradually.

More terms: Voltage, Current and Power

• Ohm's law
• AC
• DC
• impedance
• capacitance
• power factor
• RMS
• voltage drop
• inductance