Power Calculation Formula:
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The power calculation (P = V × I) determines the electrical power in watts when you know the voltage and current. It's a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: This simple multiplication gives the rate of energy conversion or transfer in an electrical circuit.
Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical systems, selecting appropriate wiring and components, and determining energy consumption.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.
Q1: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amps (VA) represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or AC circuits with purely resistive loads.
Q2: How does this relate to household appliances?
A: Knowing the power helps estimate energy consumption (watt-hours) and electrical costs when multiplied by usage time and electricity rate.
Q3: What's a typical power consumption for household devices?
A: LED bulbs: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, depending on models and usage.
Q4: Can I use this for three-phase power calculations?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, you'd multiply by √3 (about 1.732) to account for phase relationships: P = √3 × V × I × PF.
Q5: Why is 220V common in many countries?
A: Higher voltages allow more power transmission with less current, reducing energy loss in wires and enabling thinner, less expensive wiring.