1. What is the Watts to Amps Calculation?

The Watts to Amps calculation determines the electric current in amperes (A) when you know the power in watts (W) and voltage in volts (V). This is based on Ohm's Law for DC circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the electrical power formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)

Explanation: The current is equal to the power divided by the voltage. This applies to DC circuits and AC circuits with purely resistive loads.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, selecting proper wire sizes, choosing circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits with purely resistive loads, yes. For inductive or capacitive loads, 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 three-phase systems, use: \( I = P / (V \times \sqrt{3} \times PF) \) where PF is power factor.

Q4: Why is my calculated current higher than expected?
A: This could indicate a low voltage condition or incorrect power measurement. Verify your input values.

Q5: How does this relate to circuit breaker sizing?
A: Circuit breakers should be sized to handle at least 125% of the calculated continuous current to prevent nuisance tripping.