1. What is the Amps Watts Volts Formula?

The Amps, Watts, Volts formula (P = V × I × PF) relates electrical power (watts) to voltage (volts), current (amps), and power factor (unitless ratio, 0 to 1). It's fundamental for understanding electrical systems and power consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The calculator can determine any one missing value when the other three are provided. For DC circuits or resistive AC loads, the power factor is 1.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Understanding these relationships is crucial for circuit design, electrical safety, energy efficiency, and proper sizing of electrical components and systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any three known values to calculate the fourth. Leave one field blank (the one you want to calculate). Power factor defaults to 1 (for DC or purely resistive AC circuits).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (watts) is the actual power consumed, while apparent power (VA) is the product of voltage and current. The ratio is the power factor.

Q2: When should I use a power factor less than 1?
A: For AC circuits with inductive or capacitive loads (motors, transformers, etc.), where current and voltage are out of phase.

Q3: How do I measure these values?
A: Use a multimeter for voltage and current, wattmeter for power. Power factor can be calculated from these measurements.

Q4: Why is my calculated power different from actual consumption?
A: This could be due to incorrect power factor, measurement errors, or non-linear loads affecting the waveform.

Q5: Can this be used for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase, you need to include the √3 factor (P = √3 × V × I × PF).