Kilowatts to Amps 3 Phase Calculator Converter

3-Phase Power Formula:

\[ I = \frac{kW \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times V \times PF} \]

Current (I):

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1. What is the 3-Phase Power Formula?

The 3-phase power formula calculates current (amperes) from power (kilowatts) in a balanced three-phase electrical system. It accounts for the phase relationship between voltage and current through the power factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

\[ I = \frac{kW \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times V \times PF} \]

Where:

\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( kW \) — Power in kilowatts
\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (V)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (×1000), divides by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (which accounts for the phase relationship in 3-phase systems).

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A lower PF (typically 0.8-0.95 for industrial loads) means more current is required to deliver the same real power, increasing system losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in kW, line-to-line voltage in volts, and power factor (typically 0.8 for motors). All values must be positive (power factor between 0.01 and 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., 400V line-to-line = 230V line-to-neutral).

Q2: Why is power factor important?
A: Low power factor increases current requirements, leading to higher energy losses and requiring larger conductors and equipment.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Induction motors: 0.8-0.9, fluorescent lighting: 0.7-0.9, resistive loads: 1.0. Always check equipment specifications.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, single-phase uses I = P/V×PF (without the √3 factor). Use a different calculator for single-phase systems.

Q5: How does voltage affect the calculation?
A: Higher voltage systems require less current for the same power, making them more efficient for power transmission.