1. What is 3-Phase Current from kVA Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the current in a 3-phase electrical system based on the apparent power (kVA) and line voltage.

Purpose: It helps electricians and engineers quickly calculate current for proper sizing of wires, breakers, and other electrical components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( kVA \) — Apparent power (kilovolt-amperes)
• \( V \) — Line voltage (volts)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula converts kVA to VA (×1000) then divides by the product of voltage and √3 to get the line current.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper equipment selection, prevents overheating, and maintains system efficiency in 3-phase power systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the apparent power in kVA and line voltage (default 400V). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why do we multiply by √3 in 3-phase calculations?
A: √3 accounts for the phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q2: What's a typical voltage for 3-phase systems?
A: Common voltages include 208V, 400V, 480V (industrial), and 690V (high power), depending on region and application.

Q3: Does this work for both delta and wye configurations?
A: Yes, when using line-to-line voltage for delta or line-to-neutral voltage × √3 for wye.

Q4: How does power factor affect this calculation?
A: This gives apparent current. For real current, divide by power factor (cosφ).

Q5: What if I know kW instead of kVA?
A: First convert kW to kVA by dividing by power factor (kVA = kW/pf).