1. What is Three Phase Current Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps electricians and engineers properly size wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components in three-phase systems.

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, between 0 and 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

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

3. Importance of Three Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures safe and efficient electrical system design, preventing overheating and equipment damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, system voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.85). All values must be > 0, with PF between 0.01 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is √3 used in three-phase calculations?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference between the three voltages in a balanced three-phase system.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Most industrial systems have a PF between 0.85-0.95. Motors might be 0.8-0.9, while purely resistive loads are 1.0.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \) (remove the √3 factor).

Q4: What if I know power in HP instead of kW?
A: First convert HP to kW (1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW) before using this calculator.

Q5: Does this work for both delta and wye configurations?
A: Yes, as long as you use the line-to-line voltage for both configurations.