1. What is 3 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 and large motors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-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)

Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems. Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor is crucial in AC circuits as it indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work. A low power factor (below 0.9) indicates poor utilization of electrical power.

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 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage (208V line-to-line = 120V line-to-neutral).

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For resistive loads it's 1.0, for motors typically 0.8-0.95, and for heavily inductive loads it can be as low as 0.3.

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: It accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

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

Q5: How does power factor affect real power?
A: Lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same real power, increasing losses in the system.