How can I regulate amperage in a circuit?

Question

I'm talking about small quantities: less than 1000 mA.

When I say "in a circuit", I mean that I'm wondering how I can control how much amperage goes into an electronic component to make sure too much doesn't go in.

Answer 1

If your input voltage is constant, than a simple resistor will function pretty well, but dropout voltage of your load could mess things up. If you just want to protect your load, a fuse would work well.
Here's a collection of current limiter circuits designed for power LEDs (low voltage, <1000mA, should be about right):
http://www.instructables.com/id/Circuits-for-using-High-Power-LED's/

Answer 2

???
"To make sure too much doesn't go in?" That sounds like something my ex-wife would have said.
For a given voltage the circuit (or component) will pull however much current it's going to use (it's called Ohms Law and you should know it)

If you're just looking for current regulator (or constant current power supply) circuits try
http://www.discovercircuits.com/C/constant.htm
or any of the other 1.5 million sites you get by typing in
'electronic circuits constant current' into a search engine.

Doug

Answer 3

It is always good to have a resistor to limit amperage.

It is also good to have a fuse or circuit breaker that will cut the juice at a preset level.

Answer 4

By placing a resistor in line between the power source and the component.

Answer 5

try using ohms law where ...I=V/R.....or by using a resistor to decrease your amperage...beware..is it a paralell or series ckt..???..you could add the resistor at the source...higher the resistance..the lower the amps..test this theory..