Ampere
An ampere (A), also known as ‘amp’, is a unit of electrical current equal to the flow of one coulomb per second. It is named after Andre-Marie Ampere who is widely regarded as the leading pioneer of electrodynamics.
The International System of Units (SI) defines the ampere as the unit that is used to measure electric current; current being a count of the number of electrons flowing through a circuit.
One amp is the amount of current produced by a one volt acting through a resistance of one ohm.
Measuring amperes is important when working with electrical systems as a means of ensuring that the wires are not handling a higher current than they are rated for, and therefore risking faults or failure.
Amperes can be measured using a digital multimeter, but since models differ according to the amount of current they can measure, care should be taken to make sure a device with the correct rating is used.
Ampere’s force law states that there is an attractive or repulsive force between two parallel wires that carry an electric current.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.