ElectricalGLOSSARY

Ohm's Law

01 — Definition

V = I × R, and power P = V × I = V²/R = I²×R. Every electrical calculation in AV follows from there. At the same voltage, doubling the resistance halves the current. And four 8Ω speakers in parallel make 2Ω — a load the amplifier has to be able to take.

02 — In the field

Always work out the total impedance of a speaker array before you connect it. Put a 2Ω load on an amp rated for 4Ω minimum and it will overheat within minutes at full power.