Re: OT: Electricity generation

["Paul Bendall" <paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am not usre I am the best person to explain voltage and power but
here goes.

Low-voltage is not necessarily low-power, low-voltage is considered
to normally be below 24volts and commonly 12volts. Main voltage is
230volts

Low-power is normally measured in Watts, a low power is a bit more
relative than voltage but for things like lights than below 20W is
probably considered low-powered.

In simple terms and in a Direct-Current (DC) circuit power in watts
equals voltage in volts times current in amps. Which is given the
formula:

P = V x I , P is Power in Watts, V is voltage in Volts and I is
Current in Amps

So in a low voltage circuit running at 12V where we need 20W of power
we'll need a current of 1.6A

A useful explanation of this can be found on
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question501.htm
and a potential
explanation as why low-voltage can be safer because it has a lower
ability to jump gaps as the analogy with water voltage is pressure.

HTH

Paul
--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Brad Salmon" <bradsalmon@...>
wrote:
>
> Thanks Paul,
>
> Knew I was shooting in the wind a bit but probably put too many
> ideas into one message :0)
>
> Okay, scrap the actual method of generating the power - that's
> always a big debate.
>
> Can I assume from your comment -
> "If you are only after a few hundred watts"
> that it is easier to generate lower watts (and voltage?) than a
full
> domestic supply?  Apologies but watts and volts goes over my head.
>
> I guess what I really want to know is if its easier for a beginner
> to start with a low voltage (or is that wattage system) than a full
> all singing and dancing setup? Even if it means an exercise bike to
> produce the energy   lol
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brad
>



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