Amperage, often referred to as current, is a measure of the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It indicates how many electrons are passing through a conductor, such as a wire, in a given time. The unit of measurement for amperage is the ampere, commonly shortened to amp. Understanding amperage is crucial for electrical systems, as it helps determine how much power can be safely used. High amperage can lead to overheating and potential damage to electrical components, while low amperage may not provide enough power for devices to function properly.