3-Phase Amperage Formula:
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The 3-phase amperage calculation determines the current flowing in a three-phase electrical system based on energy consumption (kWh), voltage, power factor, and time. This is essential for electrical system design, load analysis, and equipment sizing.
The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts kWh to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of √3 (for 3-phase), voltage, power factor, and time to find current.
Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for proper wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, transformer sizing, and ensuring electrical system safety and efficiency.
Tips: Enter energy in kWh, line-to-line voltage in volts, power factor (typically 0.8-0.95 for most systems), and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial loads typically range from 0.8-0.95. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have lower PF.
Q2: Why use line-to-line voltage?
A: 3-phase power calculations conventionally use line-to-line voltage (also called phase-to-phase voltage).
Q3: How does this differ from single-phase calculation?
A: Single-phase uses V×PF×h in denominator without the √3 factor.
Q4: What if I know kW instead of kWh?
A: For instantaneous power, use I = (kW × 1000) / (√3 × V × PF).
Q5: When is this calculation most useful?
A: When sizing equipment based on energy consumption over time, or analyzing existing system performance.