Amps (Amperage)
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionAmps measure the electrical current a corded tool draws from the wall. A higher amp rating generally means a more powerful motor. A 7-amp circular saw is a lightweight, entry-level tool. A 15-amp circular saw is a heavy-duty, full-size tool. The amp rating tells you how much current the motor can pull, which correlates with the torque and sustained cutting power it delivers. Standard household circuits are 15-amp or 20-amp. A 15-amp tool on a 15-amp circuit is at the limit, so running it on the same circuit as other loads can trip the breaker.
Why It Matters
On corded tools, amps is the primary power spec. More amps means the motor can do more work before bogging down. If your corded tool trips breakers, check the circuit capacity. Running a 15-amp table saw off a shared 15-amp circuit with lights and outlets is asking for trouble. Give high-draw tools their own circuit.