1. What is the 3-Phase Power Formula?

The 3-phase power formula calculates real power (kW) in a balanced three-phase electrical system using line-to-line voltage, current, and power factor. It accounts for the phase relationships in three-phase systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — 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 by accounting for the phase difference in three-phase systems and the power factor which represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, load balancing, energy efficiency analysis, and equipment sizing in industrial and commercial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (typically between 0.8-1.0). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage (e.g., 480V vs 277V).

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For motors, PF is typically 0.8-0.95. Resistive loads have PF=1. Capacitive/inductive loads have lower PF.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, single-phase uses P = V × I × PF / 1000 (without the √3 factor).

Q4: Why is the power factor important?
A: Low PF increases current for the same real power, requiring larger conductors and causing higher losses.

Q5: How does this relate to kVA and kVAr?
A: kW is real power, kVA is apparent power (V×I/1000), and kVAr is reactive power (√(kVA²-kW²)).