1. What is 3 Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in kilowatts (kW) for a three-phase electrical system.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the actual power consumption in three-phase circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula accounts for all three phases and the phase relationship between voltage and current.

3. Importance of 3 Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency, and electrical system safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). Power factor must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial loads typically range from 0.8 to 0.95. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have lower PF.

Q3: Should I use line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: Always use line-to-line (phase-to-phase) voltage for this calculation.

Q4: Why divide by 1000?
A: This converts the result from watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W).

Q5: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( P = V \times I \times PF / 1000 \) (without the √3 factor).