1. What is Single Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in kilowatts (kW) for single-phase AC electrical systems.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — RMS voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — RMS current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0 to 1)

Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives apparent power, which is then multiplied by the power factor to get real power, then divided by 1000 to convert to kilowatts.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper circuit design, load balancing, and energy efficiency in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with PF 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: Typical power factor values?
A: Residential: 0.8-0.95, Industrial motors: 0.7-0.9, Incandescent lights: 1.0, Fluorescent lights: 0.5-0.9.

Q3: Why divide by 1000?
A: To convert watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W), which is a more practical unit for most power measurements.

Q4: Does this work for DC circuits?
A: Yes, but set PF=1 since DC has no reactive power component.

Q5: How to measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - measure voltage across the load and current in series with the load.