Electrical power
Electrical power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred via an electrical circuit. It is therefore the rate of ‘doing work’.
The SI unit of electrical power is the watt, which equates to an energy transfer rate of 1 joule per second.
Electrical power, as applicable to buildings, is produced by generators. These may be either remote from the building, typically at power stations that serve complete energy networks, or dedicated to the building. These generators commonly convert one form of fuel such as oil, gas, coal, nuclear reaction and so on, into electrical energy.
Other forms of generation may be provided by renewable sources such as solar voltaic, wind, tides, or from electric storage batteries.
In relation to electricity in buildings, the term electrical power is usually associated with other words such as demand, rating or supply capacity. In this context it is concerned with how much power a building or a circuit may require, which in turn will relate to capacity of supply, size and rating of conductors, type and rating of protective equipment as well as functional switching capacity.
To ensure safety, all such equipment should be able to handle, control and dissipate electrical power safely, to avoid the risk of fire or electric shock.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles about electricity.
- Conductor.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer units.
- ECA articles.
- ECA.
- Electric lock.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical component.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
- Electricity supply.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Plug load control.
- Power.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.