1. What is Three Phase Power?

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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Approximately 1.732 (constant for three-phase systems)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power in a balanced three-phase system accounting for voltage, current, and power factor.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A PF of 1 means all power is real (useful) power, while lower PF indicates reactive power is present.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 (e.g., 208V line-to-line is 120V line-to-neutral).

Q2: Why is three-phase power more efficient?
A: Three-phase delivers power more consistently with less conductor material compared to single-phase for the same power transfer.

Q3: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For resistive loads like heaters, PF=1. For motors, PF typically ranges 0.8-0.95. Capacitors can improve low power factors.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, single-phase uses P = V × I × PF without the √3 factor.

Q5: How does unbalanced three-phase affect the calculation?
A: This formula assumes balanced load. For unbalanced systems, calculate each phase separately and sum the results.