1. What is 3 Phase Current Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the current in a three-phase electrical system based on power, voltage, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electricians and engineers calculate the current flow in three-phase circuits for proper equipment sizing and safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (approximately 1.732) which accounts for the three-phase system.

3. Importance of 3 Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and prevents equipment damage from overload.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with PF between 0.01 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line and phase voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line voltage is between any two lines, while phase voltage is between any line and neutral (line voltage = √3 × phase voltage).

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have PF of 0.8-0.9, while purely resistive loads have PF=1. Industrial averages are 0.85-0.95.

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, for single-phase use I = P×1000/(V×PF) without the √3 factor.

Q5: How do I measure actual power factor?
A: Use a power analyzer or calculate PF = True Power (kW) / Apparent Power (kVA).