1. What is 3-Phase Power?

Three-phase power is a common method of alternating-current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. It's 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:

• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)
• 1000 — Conversion factor from watts to kilowatts

Explanation: The formula calculates real power (kW) in a balanced 3-phase system accounting for voltage, current, and power factor.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency, causing higher current draw for the same real power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (typically 0.8-0.95 for motors). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kW and kVA?
A: kW is real power (what performs work), while kVA is apparent power (voltage × current). kW = kVA × PF.

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial facilities typically aim for 0.95+. Motors might have 0.8-0.9 PF at full load, much lower when lightly loaded.

Q3: Why use line-to-line voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is the standard measurement between any two phases (208V, 480V, etc.).

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, single-phase uses P = V × I × PF / 1000 (without the √3 factor).

Q5: How does this relate to motor horsepower?
A: 1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW. Motor nameplate kW = HP × 0.746 / efficiency.