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Three Phase Power Formula:
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Three-phase power is a common method of alternating current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. It is more efficient than single-phase power for heavy industrial loads and large motors.
The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems. The power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.
Details: Power factor indicates how effectively electrical power is being used. A power factor of 1 means all power is real power doing useful work, while lower values indicate reactive power is being wasted.
Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). For purely resistive loads, power factor is 1. For inductive loads (like motors), it's typically 0.8-0.9.
Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In three-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage (208V line-to-line = 120V line-to-neutral).
Q2: Why is three-phase power more efficient?
A: Three-phase systems provide constant power delivery (no power pulsations) and use less conductor material for the same power transfer.
Q3: What are typical power factors?
A: Resistive loads: 1.0, Induction motors at full load: 0.85-0.90, Fluorescent lights: 0.95, Arc furnaces: 0.7-0.8.
Q4: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor correction capacitors can be added to offset inductive loads and bring power factor closer to 1.
Q5: What's the difference between real, reactive, and apparent power?
A: Real power (watts) does useful work, reactive power (VARs) sustains electromagnetic fields, and apparent power (VA) is the vector sum of both.