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Power to Current Conversion:
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The power to current conversion calculates the electric current (in amperes) flowing in a circuit when you know the power (in watts) and voltage (in volts). It's based on the fundamental relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical systems.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that current is equal to power divided by voltage. For a 120W device at 12V, the current would be 120W / 12V = 10A.
Details: Knowing the current draw is essential for selecting proper wire sizes, fuses, circuit breakers, and ensuring your power supply can handle the load without overheating or causing voltage drops.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current in amperes.
Q1: Why is current calculation important for 12V systems?
A: 12V systems require higher currents for the same power compared to higher voltage systems, making proper current calculation crucial for safety and performance.
Q2: What's the difference between AC and DC in this calculation?
A: This formula works for both AC and DC when using RMS values for AC. For reactive loads (AC with inductance/capacitance), power factor must be considered.
Q3: How does wire size relate to current?
A: Higher currents require thicker wires to prevent excessive voltage drop and overheating. Always consult wire gauge charts for your application.
Q4: Can I use this for battery runtime calculations?
A: Yes, knowing the current draw helps estimate battery runtime (in hours) by dividing battery capacity (in Ah) by current draw (in A).
Q5: What if my device lists amps but not watts?
A: You can calculate watts by multiplying amps × volts (P = I × V). Then you can use this calculator in reverse if needed.