Electrical Power Formula:
Where:
I = current in amperes (A)
P = power in watts (W)
V = voltage in volts (V)
From: | To: |
The Watts to Amps conversion calculates electrical current (amperes) from power (watts) and voltage (volts) using Ohm's Law. This is essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, and appliance safety.
The calculator uses the electrical power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that current is directly proportional to power and inversely proportional to voltage.
Details: Knowing the current draw is crucial for selecting proper wire sizes, circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical systems operate safely without overheating.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Common voltages include 120V (US residential), 230V (EU residential), or 12V/24V (automotive).
Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC current calculations?
A: This calculator works for both, but AC circuits with reactive loads (motors, transformers) require power factor correction.
Q2: How many amps is 1000 watts?
A: At 120V: 8.33A, at 230V: 4.35A, at 12V: 83.33A. Always specify voltage when discussing watt-amp conversions.
Q3: Why does lower voltage require more amps for same power?
A: Power = Voltage × Current, so to maintain constant power, decreasing voltage requires increasing current proportionally.
Q4: What's the typical current for household appliances?
A: Example at 120V: Light bulb (60W)=0.5A, Microwave (1000W)=8.3A, AC unit (3600W)=30A.
Q5: How do I calculate amps for three-phase systems?
A: Three-phase adds a √3 factor: \( I = \frac{P}{\sqrt{3} \times V \times PF} \) where PF is power factor.