1. What is Watts per BTU/hr Conversion?

The Watts per BTU/hr conversion calculates electrical power (in watts) equivalent to thermal power (in British Thermal Units per hour). This is useful for comparing heating/cooling systems with electrical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in watts
• \( BTU/hr \) — British Thermal Units per hour
• 3.412142 — Conversion factor (exact value)

Explanation: 1 watt is equal to approximately 3.412142 BTU/hr, so dividing BTU/hr by this factor gives the equivalent power in watts.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is commonly used in HVAC systems, electrical heating equipment, and energy efficiency calculations where both thermal and electrical power measurements are involved.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/hr value you want to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent watts. Values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 3.412142?
A: This exact value comes from the definition of 1 BTU as 1055.05585262 joules and 1 watt as 1 joule per second (3600 seconds in an hour).

Q2: Can I use this for cooling capacity as well?
A: Yes, the conversion works equally for heating and cooling capacities expressed in BTU/hr.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is exact, so the calculation is mathematically precise.

Q4: What's the inverse conversion (BTU/hr to watts)?
A: Multiply watts by 3.412142 to get BTU/hr.

Q5: Does this account for efficiency factors?
A: No, this is a direct unit conversion. Actual system performance may vary based on efficiency.