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)

Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems. The 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). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is line-to-line voltage?
A: It's the voltage between any two of the three phase conductors in a three-phase system.

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For most industrial loads, power factor ranges from 0.8 to 0.95. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have lower PF.

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q4: Can this formula be used for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase systems use P = V × I × PF (without the √3 factor).

Q5: How does power factor affect power calculation?
A: Lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power, increasing losses in the system.