Electrical Wattage Calculator

Electrical Power Formula:

\[ P = V \times I \times PF \]

Voltage (V):

volts (V)

Current (I):

amperes (A)

Power Factor (PF):

(0 to 1)

Phase:

Power (P):

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1. What is Electrical Wattage?

Electrical wattage (power) is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It represents how much work can be done by the electrical current and is measured in watts (W).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the electrical power formula:

\[ P = V \times I \times PF \]

For three-phase systems, the formula becomes:

\[ P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \]

Where:

\( P \) — Power in watts (W)
\( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Approximately 1.732 (three-phase multiplier)

Explanation: The power factor accounts for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits. For purely resistive loads, PF = 1.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for sizing electrical components, determining energy consumption, calculating circuit loads, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (1 for DC circuits or resistive AC loads). Select single 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 in AC circuits, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: When should I use the three-phase calculation?
A: Use three-phase for commercial/industrial power systems, large motors, and any equipment specifically designed for three-phase power.

Q3: What's typical power factor for different loads?
A: Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) = 1, fluorescent lights = 0.9-0.95, induction motors = 0.8-0.9, computers = 0.6-0.7.

Q4: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power; multiply by time for energy used.

Q5: Why is three-phase power multiplied by √3?
A: In balanced three-phase systems, the √3 accounts for the phase difference (120°) between the three voltage waveforms.