1. What is 3-Phase kVA Calculation?

The 3-phase kVA calculation determines the apparent power in a three-phase electrical system. It's essential for sizing electrical equipment, determining power requirements, and ensuring system efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)
• 1000 — Conversion factor from VA to kVA

Explanation: The formula accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems, providing the total apparent power in kilovolt-amperes.

3. Importance of kVA Calculation

Details: Accurate kVA calculation is crucial for proper electrical system design, transformer sizing, circuit breaker selection, and ensuring equipment operates within safe limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the apparent power in kVA.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kVA and kW?
A: kVA is apparent power (volts × amperes), while kW is real power (kVA × power factor). kVA accounts for the total power in the system.

Q2: Why use line-to-line voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is the standard measurement between any two phases, which is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage.

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

Q4: What's a typical power factor for calculations?
A: Power factor varies (0.8-0.95 common), but this calculator gives apparent power (kVA) regardless of power factor.

Q5: How does this relate to generator sizing?
A: Generators are typically rated in kVA. This calculation helps determine the minimum generator size needed for a given load.