Home
Back
Power to Current Conversion:
| From: | To: |
The power to current conversion calculates the electrical current (in amperes) drawn by a device when you know its power consumption (in watts) and the voltage (in volts) of the electrical system. This is based on the fundamental electrical formula: Power = Voltage × Current.
The calculator uses the power formula rearranged to solve for current:
Where:
Explanation: For a device consuming 1800 watts, the current drawn is inversely proportional to the voltage. Higher voltage means lower current for the same power.
Details: Knowing the current draw is essential for circuit design, selecting proper wire sizes, choosing circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety. It helps prevent overloading circuits which could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Tips: Enter the voltage of your electrical system (typically 120V for US household, 230V for European household). The calculator will show the current drawn by a 1800-watt device at that voltage.
Q1: Why 1800 watts specifically?
A: 1800 watts is a common power rating for many high-power appliances like space heaters, hair dryers, and microwave ovens.
Q2: What's the current for 1800W at 120V?
A: 1800W ÷ 120V = 15A, which is the maximum continuous load for a standard 15-amp circuit.
Q3: Can I use this for DC circuits?
A: Yes, the formula works for both AC and DC circuits when dealing with purely resistive loads.
Q4: What about power factor in AC circuits?
A: For reactive loads (motors, transformers), you would need to account for power factor, but this calculator assumes a purely resistive load (power factor = 1).
Q5: How does this relate to circuit breakers?
A: Circuit breakers are rated by current. A 1800W device on a 120V circuit draws 15A, so it needs at least a 15A circuit (typically with 20A breaker for safety margin).