Current Calculation Formula:
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The current calculation converts power in kilowatts (kW) to electrical current in amperes (A) using the circuit voltage. This is essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, and equipment selection.
The calculator uses the electrical power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (by multiplying by 1000) then divides by voltage to find current, based on the fundamental relationship P = IV (Power = Current × Voltage).
Details: Knowing the current draw is crucial for selecting proper wire sizes, circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical systems operate safely without overload.
Tips: Enter power in kW and system voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. For DC systems, use the actual voltage. For AC systems, use RMS voltage.
Q1: Does this work for both AC and DC circuits?
A: Yes, for resistive loads. For AC circuits with reactive components (inductive or capacitive loads), power factor must be considered.
Q2: What if I have power in watts instead of kW?
A: Simply divide watts directly by voltage (I = P/V). The calculator automatically converts kW to watts by multiplying by 1000.
Q3: Why is voltage important in current calculation?
A: Current is inversely proportional to voltage for a given power. Higher voltage systems require less current to deliver the same power.
Q4: What are typical current values for household appliances?
A: A 1.5 kW appliance at 120V draws about 12.5A. A 3 kW water heater at 240V draws about 12.5A.
Q5: How does three-phase current calculation differ?
A: For three-phase systems, the formula becomes I = P/(V×√3×PF) where PF is power factor (typically 0.8-0.95).