1. What is the Power Equation?

The fundamental power equation (P = V × I) describes the relationship between power (watts), voltage (volts), and current (amps) in electrical systems. It's essential for understanding energy consumption and circuit design.

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: This 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: Accurate power calculation is crucial for circuit design, electrical safety, energy efficiency assessments, and sizing electrical components like wires and fuses.

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).

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power × time. 1 watt-hour = 1 watt × 1 hour. Your electricity bill is based on kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: North America: 120V, Europe: 230V. Large appliances may use 240V (North America) or 400V (Europe three-phase).

Q4: How does wire size affect power transmission?
A: Thinner wires have more resistance, causing voltage drop and power loss (P = I²R). Proper sizing is essential.

Q5: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, rearrange the formula: I = P / V. Useful for circuit breaker sizing.