Kilowatts to Amps Calculator

Kilowatts to Amps Formula:

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

(Multiply denominator by √3 for 3-phase systems)

Kilowatts (kW):

Voltage:

Power Factor (PF):

(0 to 1)

Phase:

Current (Amps):

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1. What is the Kilowatts to Amps Conversion?

The kilowatts to amps conversion calculates electrical current (amperage) from power (kilowatts), accounting for voltage and power factor. It's essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, and equipment sizing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

(For three-phase systems: denominator multiplied by √3)

Where:

\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( kW \) — Power in kilowatts
\( V \) — Voltage in volts
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
√3 — Approximately 1.732 (three-phase multiplier)

Explanation: The formula converts kilowatts to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage and power factor to get current.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A lower PF means more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power, affecting wire sizing and system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in kW, system voltage, and power factor (1 for purely resistive loads). Select single-phase or three-phase system. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is three-phase different?
A: Three-phase systems have three current-carrying conductors with 120° phase separation, resulting in the √3 factor for balanced loads.

Q2: What's a typical power factor?
A: Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) have PF=1. Motors typically 0.8-0.9. Electronic loads may have 0.6-0.7 without correction.

Q3: How does voltage affect current?
A: Higher voltage means lower current for the same power, allowing smaller conductors. Current is inversely proportional to voltage.

Q4: When is this calculation important?
A: Essential for circuit breaker sizing, wire gauge selection, transformer sizing, and ensuring equipment operates within rated current.

Q5: What about DC systems?
A: For DC, the formula simplifies to I = kW×1000/V (no power factor or phase considerations).