Electrical Current Formula:
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The formula I = P/V calculates electrical current (amperes) from power (watts) and voltage (volts). This is a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics, derived from Ohm's Law.
The calculator uses the electrical current formula:
Where:
Explanation: The current flowing through a circuit is equal to the power divided by the voltage. This applies to DC circuits and AC circuits with purely resistive loads.
Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, selecting appropriate wire gauges, choosing circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. For AC circuits with reactive components, power factor must be considered.
Q1: Does this formula work for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits with purely resistive loads, yes. For reactive loads (inductive or capacitive), you need to consider power factor.
Q2: What's the difference between amps and watts?
A: Amps measure current flow, while watts measure power (rate of energy consumption). Watts = Volts × Amps.
Q3: How many amps is 1000 watts?
A: At 120 volts, about 8.33 amps (1000W ÷ 120V). At 240 volts, about 4.17 amps.
Q4: Why is current calculation important?
A: It helps prevent circuit overloads, ensures proper component sizing, and maintains electrical safety.
Q5: Can I calculate watts if I know amps and volts?
A: Yes, using P = V × I. This calculator can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables.