Watts to Amps Formula:
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The Watts to Amps formula (I = P/V) calculates electric current from power and voltage. It's a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics, derived from Ohm's Law.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that current is directly proportional to power and inversely proportional to voltage.
Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, selecting proper wire sizes, and determining circuit breaker requirements.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current in amperes.
Q1: Can I use this for AC circuits?
A: For purely resistive AC circuits, yes. For circuits with reactance, you need to consider power factor.
Q2: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts measure real power, while volt-amps measure apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or AC circuits with unity power factor.
Q3: How do I calculate amps for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase: \( I = P / (V \times \sqrt{3} \times PF) \), where PF is power factor.
Q4: Why is current important for wire sizing?
A: Current determines heat generation in wires. Higher currents require thicker wires to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
Q5: What's a typical current for household appliances?
A: In 120V systems: small devices ~0.5-3A, large appliances ~5-15A. In 240V systems, currents are typically half for the same power.