3 Phase Power Formula:
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The 3 phase power formula calculates electrical current (amps) from power (kilowatts), voltage, and power factor in a three-phase AC electrical system. This calculation is essential for proper electrical system design and component sizing.
The calculator uses the 3 phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts 40 kW to watts, then divides by the product of voltage, square root of 3, and power factor to obtain the current.
Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for selecting appropriate circuit breakers, wire sizes, transformers, and other electrical components to ensure system safety and efficiency.
Tips: Enter the line-to-line voltage in volts and the power factor (typically between 0.8-0.95 for most industrial applications). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, power factor between 0.1-1.0).
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. It affects the efficiency of electrical systems - lower power factors require higher current for the same real power.
Q2: What voltage should I use for the calculation?
A: Use the line-to-line voltage of your 3-phase system. Common voltages include 208V, 240V, 380V, 400V, 415V, 480V, and 600V.
Q3: Why is the square root of 3 used in the formula?
A: The square root of 3 (approximately 1.732) accounts for the phase relationship between the three phases in a balanced 3-phase system.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for single-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for 3-phase systems. Single-phase calculations use a different formula without the √3 factor.
Q5: What are typical power factor values?
A: Power factors typically range from 0.7-0.95. Motors often have 0.8-0.9 PF, while heavily inductive loads may have lower values. Power factor correction can improve values to near 1.0.