Root-Mean-Square

An arithmetic tool to establish a value that can be used as a parameter from a set of numbers in a data collection step. The term is defined as the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the set of numbers. In the electrical industry, it is the effective value of an alternating current or voltage. When the term is applied to alternating voltage and current, it means the effective value, i.e. it produces the same heating effect as a direct current or voltage of the same magnitude.