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Three Phase Power Formula:
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The three phase power formula calculates current (I) from power (W), voltage (V), and power factor (PF) in a three phase electrical system. It provides an accurate assessment of current flow in balanced three phase circuits.
The calculator uses the three phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the three phase power distribution system, where the square root of 3 (approximately 1.732) is a constant factor that relates line-to-line voltage to phase voltage in balanced three phase systems.
Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for proper electrical system design, circuit breaker sizing, wire gauge selection, and ensuring electrical safety in three phase power systems.
Tips: Enter power in watts, voltage in volts, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be valid (power > 0, voltage > 0, 0 < power factor ≤ 1).
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. It's important because it affects the efficiency of power transmission and the actual current drawn by electrical equipment.
Q2: When should I use this three phase formula?
A: Use this formula for balanced three phase AC systems to calculate current from known power, voltage, and power factor values.
Q3: What is the typical range for power factor?
A: Power factor typically ranges from 0 to 1. Industrial loads often have power factors between 0.7 and 0.95, while purely resistive loads have a power factor of 1.
Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes a balanced three phase system. For unbalanced systems or single phase calculations, different formulas should be used.
Q5: Why is √3 used in three phase calculations?
A: √3 (approximately 1.732) is used to convert between line-to-line voltage and phase voltage in balanced three phase systems, as the relationship between them involves this constant factor.