1. What is the Watts Formula?

The Watts formula calculates electrical power in watts (W) from voltage (V), current (I), and power factor (PF). For three-phase systems, the result is multiplied by √3 (approximately 1.732).

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)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Approximately 1.732 (three-phase multiplier)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power in AC circuits, accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current through the power factor.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, energy efficiency analysis, and equipment sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (1 for DC or resistive AC loads). Select single-phase or three-phase system. All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing how effectively current is converted to useful work (range 0 to 1).

Q2: When should I use the √3 multiplier?
A: Use it for balanced three-phase AC systems. For single-phase or DC systems, don't use the multiplier.

Q3: What's the difference between real, apparent, and reactive power?
A: Real power (W) does actual work, apparent power (VA) is voltage × current, and reactive power (VAR) is non-working power in inductive/capacitive loads.

Q4: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) is power (kW) multiplied by time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.

Q5: What's typical power factor for different loads?
A: Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights): 1.0. Induction motors: 0.8-0.9. Fluorescent lights: 0.7-0.9.