What is amperage?
Amperage is the measure of electrical current strength flowing through a circuit, expressed in amps (A). A home's main electrical panel is rated in amperage to determine how much total electrical load it can safely deliver.
Amperage, measured in amps (A), is the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit at any given time. Think of it like the volume of water moving through a pipe. The higher the amperage, the more electrical power can flow to your home's devices and appliances simultaneously.
Your home's main electrical panel carries an amperage rating, typically 100, 150, 200, or higher. This rating determines your home's total electrical capacity, or how much current your panel can safely supply at once. A 100-amp panel provides less capacity than a 200-amp panel. The panel's amperage limit protects your wiring and prevents overheating by automatically shutting off power if demand exceeds the rating.
Modern homes often require more amperage than older homes because of increased use of air conditioning, electric water heaters, EV chargers, and other high-demand appliances. If you regularly trip breakers or have new electrical needs, your existing panel's amperage may be insufficient. Many electricians in Spartanburg service homes that need electrical panel upgrades to increase amperage capacity and safely support today's electrical demands.