1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

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

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians calculate power consumption in three-phase circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and electrical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line voltage (V), line current (I), 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 how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial loads typically have 0.8-0.9, while purely resistive loads have 1.0. Motors at full load are about 0.85.

Q3: Is this formula for line or phase values?
A: The formula uses line voltage and line current values for standard three-phase calculations.

Q4: How do I find the current if I know power?
A: Rearrange the formula: \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}} \)

Q5: Does this work for both wye and delta configurations?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct line voltage and current values for your configuration.