Wattclass

Wattclass is a term that may be used informally to describe a category or tier of devices based on their power consumption or power output, measured in watts. It is not a standard term recognized by major electrical or engineering standards bodies. As such, its exact meaning and thresholds vary by author, industry, or product documentation.

In practice, wattclass is often used to group products for comparison, labeling, or performance estimates. The concept can apply to input power (how much power a device draws from the supply) or to output power (the usable power a device delivers, such as audio amplifier wattage). Because there is no universal definition, readers should consult the specific source to understand the watt thresholds and what the class signifies in that context.

Common examples of how wattclass is used are illustrative rather than authoritative. A document might define wattclass low as under 50 watts, mid-range as 50 to 200 watts, and high as over 200 watts, but different contexts may set different ranges. The term is more likely to appear in product catalogs, marketing materials, or internal spec sheets than in formal standards documents.

Wattclass is related to, but distinct from, other power-related concepts such as wattage ratings, energy efficiency labels, and brightness in lighting (lumens per watt). It should not be confused with established classifications like electrical safety classes (Class I, II) or amplifier classes (Class A, B, AB, D). When encountered, it is best understood in the defining context of the source.