16a

16A denotes a current rating of 16 amperes. The letter A stands for ampere, a unit of electric current, and the rating indicates the maximum continuous current that a device, connector, or circuit is designed to carry safely. In practice, a 16A rating is typically paired with a corresponding voltage rating (for example 230V or 250V), and the product is expected to operate reliably below that current limit.

The 16A designation is commonly found on electrical components such as plugs, sockets, fuses, circuit breakers, and extension leads. It is also used for industrial or regional connectors, for instance IEC 60309 16A connectors, which are widely employed for portable equipment, outdoor use, and fixed installations requiring higher load capacities than standard consumer outlets. When calculating produced power, P = V × I, so at 230V a 16A circuit can supply up to about 3680 watts; at 110V it would be about 1760 watts.

Regional usage varies. In many European and other 230V systems, 16A-rated outlets and devices are common for higher-load applications. In North American households, standard circuits are typically 15A or 20A, so 16A-rated devices are less standard for household outlets, though they may appear in specialized or industrial equipment.

Safety and compatibility are important with any 16A component. Devices and cables should be matched to a compatible voltage, current rating, and connector type, and loads should not exceed the specified 16A limit to avoid overheating or electrical hazards.