1. What is 3-Phase Power?

Three-phase power is a common method of alternating current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. It is more efficient than single-phase power for heavy industrial loads and large motors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates the real power in a balanced three-phase system, accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor (PF) represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A PF of 1 indicates all power is real power (resistive load), while lower PF values indicate reactive components (inductive or capacitive loads).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (0 to 1). For purely resistive loads, use PF=1. For motors and transformers, typical PF values range from 0.8 to 0.95.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage. This calculator uses line-to-line voltage.

Q2: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, for single-phase use P = V × I × PF (without the √3 factor).

Q3: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Resistive loads have PF=1. Induction motors typically have PF=0.85-0.9 at full load. Power factor decreases with lighter loads.

Q4: How does power factor affect energy consumption?
A: Lower power factor means higher current for the same real power, increasing energy losses in distribution systems.

Q5: What is the significance of √3 in the formula?
A: √3 accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.