1. What is the Power Calculation Formula?

The power calculation formula (P = V × I × PF) determines the real power consumption of an electrical appliance like a refrigerator, taking into account voltage, current, and power factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption by accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation helps in determining energy consumption, sizing electrical circuits properly, and estimating operating costs for refrigerators and other appliances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure voltage with a multimeter (typically 120V or 230V depending on country)
• Current can be found on the appliance nameplate or measured with a clamp meter
• Power factor for refrigerators typically ranges from 0.8 to 0.95

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why include power factor in the calculation?
A: Power factor accounts for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits, giving the true power consumption rather than just apparent power.

Q2: What's a typical power factor for refrigerators?
A: Modern refrigerators typically have power factors between 0.8 and 0.95. Older models may be lower.

Q3: How can I measure these values?
A: Use a multimeter for voltage and a clamp meter for current. Power factor meters are also available.

Q4: Does this work for all appliances?
A: This formula works for all AC electrical appliances, though power factors vary significantly between different types of equipment.

Q5: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Multiply power (W) by operating hours to get watt-hours (Wh), then divide by 1000 for kilowatt-hours (kWh) - the unit used for electricity billing.