Three-Phase Power Formula:
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The three-phase power formula calculates electrical current (amperage) from power (kilowatts), voltage, and power factor in a three-phase AC system. This calculation is essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, and equipment sizing.
The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts kilowatts to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage, square root of 3 (for three-phase systems), and power factor to calculate current.
Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for proper wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, motor protection, and ensuring electrical system safety and efficiency.
Tips: Enter power in kilowatts, system voltage in volts, and power factor (typically 0.8-0.95 for industrial systems). All values must be positive, with power factor between 0.01 and 1.0.
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. It's crucial because lower power factors require higher current for the same real power, increasing system losses.
Q2: Can this calculator be used for single-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for three-phase systems. Single-phase calculations use a different formula without the √3 factor.
Q3: What are typical power factor values?
A: Residential: 0.85-0.95, Commercial: 0.85-0.95, Industrial: 0.8-0.9. Motors typically have power factors around 0.8-0.9.
Q4: Why is the √3 factor used in three-phase calculations?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the 120-degree phase difference between the three phases in a balanced three-phase system.
Q5: How does voltage affect the current calculation?
A: Higher voltage results in lower current for the same power, which is why high-voltage transmission is more efficient for long-distance power delivery.