1. What is a 3 Phase Amps to kW Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical current (amps) to power (kilowatts) in three-phase systems using voltage and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians quickly determine power consumption in three-phase electrical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in 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 in the system and converts watts to kilowatts by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of Three-Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for sizing electrical equipment, calculating energy costs, and ensuring system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter 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, ranging from 0 to 1. It represents system efficiency.

Q2: What voltage should I use?
A: Use line-to-line voltage (e.g., 208V, 240V, 480V for common three-phase systems in North America).

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The square root of 3 accounts for the phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q4: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have 0.8-0.9 PF, while purely resistive loads have 1.0 PF.

Q5: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, use P = V × I × PF / 1000 for single-phase. This calculator is specifically for three-phase systems.