1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) is a fundamental formula in electrical engineering that calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and current. It's part of Ohm's Law and is essential for designing and analyzing electrical circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current. Doubling either voltage or current will double the power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is crucial for determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, ensuring circuit safety, and calculating energy costs. It's fundamental in designing everything from small electronics to large power systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC, you need to consider power factor (P = V × I × PF for single-phase).

Q2: How do I calculate power for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase balanced systems: P = √3 × V × I × PF (line-to-line voltage).

Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America: 120V/240V, Europe/Asia: 220-240V. Always check local standards.

Q4: How does power relate to energy?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time (E = P × t). 1 watt-hour = 1 watt for 1 hour.

Q5: What's the maximum current for a given wire size?
A: This depends on wire gauge, insulation type, and installation method (consult NEC or local codes).