1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I × PF) calculates electrical power in AC circuits, accounting for voltage (V), current (I), and power factor (PF). For refrigerators, this helps determine energy consumption and electrical requirements.

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)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The calculator can determine any one missing value if the other three are provided. For refrigerators, typical power factor ranges from 0.7 to 0.9.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Understanding a refrigerator's power requirements helps with energy efficiency assessment, circuit sizing, and electrical safety. It's essential for proper installation and operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any two known values (voltage, current, or power) along with power factor to calculate the missing value. Typical household refrigerators run on 115-120V (US) or 220-240V (Europe).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor for refrigerators?
A: Typically 0.7-0.9 for refrigerators. Newer energy-efficient models tend to have higher power factors.

Q2: How much current does a refrigerator draw?
A: A typical 120V, 700W refrigerator with PF=0.8 draws about 7.3 amps (700 ÷ (120 × 0.8)).

Q3: Why is power factor important?
A: Lower power factor means more current is needed for the same power output, which affects wiring and circuit breaker sizing.

Q4: Can I use this for startup current?
A: No, refrigerators require 3-5 times more current during compressor startup (momentarily).

Q5: How accurate is this for energy consumption?
A: For precise energy use, measure actual consumption over time with a wattmeter as cycling affects real usage.