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Watts to Amps Calculator

Watts to Amps Formula:

\[ I = \frac{P}{V} \]

watts (W)
volts (V)

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1. What is the Watts to Amps Formula?

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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ I = \frac{P}{V} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula shows that current is directly proportional to power and inversely proportional to voltage.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, selecting proper wire sizes, and determining circuit breaker requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current in amperes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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