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 (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems. Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor is crucial in electrical systems as it indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work. A low power factor means poor utilization of electrical power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). Typical power factors are 0.8 for motors, 0.9 for fluorescent lighting, and 1.0 for resistive loads.

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 (e.g., 400V line-to-line = 230V line-to-neutral).

Q2: How does power factor affect the calculation?
A: Lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same real power, increasing losses in the system.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, single-phase power is calculated as P = V × I × PF (without the √3 factor).

Q4: What are typical voltage levels in 3-phase systems?
A: Common voltages include 208V, 400V, 480V (low voltage) and 3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV (medium voltage).

Q5: How can I improve power factor?
A: Power factor correction capacitors or synchronous condensers can be used to improve power factor.