When converting from one unit of measurement to another, what must first be established?

When converting from one unit of measurement to another, it is essential to establish a conversion factor. A conversion factor is a numerical factor used to multiply or divide a quantity when converting from one unit to another. It effectively expresses the relationship between the two units being compared, allowing for an accurate calculation of the equivalent value in the desired unit.

For instance, if you want to convert feet to meters, you would use a conversion factor that relates these two units; specifically, 1 foot is equal to approximately 0.3048 meters. By applying the conversion factor, you can multiply the number of feet by 0.3048 to find the equivalent length in meters. This process is crucial in ensuring the accuracy of measurements across various applications in electrical work and other fields. Understanding how and when to use conversion factors helps maintain precision and consistency in calculations.