1. What is the Current Calculation Formula?

The formula calculates the current in amperes (A) required for a 1500 watt load given the voltage and power factor. It's derived from the power formula: P = V × I × PF.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the current calculation formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
• 1500 — Constant wattage value

Explanation: The formula accounts for both the voltage and the power factor to determine the actual current drawn by a 1500 watt load.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for circuit design, breaker sizing, and ensuring electrical safety when using 1500 watt appliances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and power factor (1 for purely resistive loads). For inductive loads like motors, typical power factors range from 0.7 to 0.9.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is power factor important?
A: Power factor accounts for phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits. Lower PF means higher current for the same power.

Q2: What's the current for 1500W at 120V?
A: For purely resistive load (PF=1): 1500/120 = 12.5A. With PF=0.8: 1500/(120×0.8) = 15.625A.

Q3: Can I use this for DC circuits?
A: Yes, for DC set PF=1 since there's no reactive power in DC circuits.

Q4: What's the difference between real and apparent power?
A: Real power (watts) does work, apparent power (VA) is voltage×current. PF = real power/apparent power.

Q5: How does this relate to circuit breakers?
A: Breakers must be sized to handle the calculated current plus safety margin (typically 125% of continuous loads).