1. What is Wattage?

Wattage (power) is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It's measured in watts (W) and represents how much energy is consumed or produced per second.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: For DC circuits or AC circuits with purely resistive loads, the power factor is 1. For AC circuits with reactive components, the power factor is less than 1.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating wattage is essential for determining electrical system requirements, sizing components, calculating energy consumption, and ensuring safety in electrical installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (1 for DC or resistive AC loads). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, power factor between 0-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power in an AC circuit, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: When can I assume power factor = 1?
A: For DC circuits or purely resistive AC loads (like incandescent lights or heaters). For motors, transformers, or fluorescent lights, PF is typically less than 1.

Q3: How does wattage relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours). Higher wattage devices consume more energy when operated for the same duration.

Q4: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts measure real power, while volt-amps (VA) measure apparent power. They're equal when power factor is 1.

Q5: Why is power factor important?
A: Low power factor means more current is required to deliver the same real power, leading to larger conductors and transformers being needed.