1. What is a HP to kW Conversion Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts mechanical power in horsepower (HP) to electrical power in kilowatts (kW).

Purpose: It helps engineers, electricians, and technicians convert between these common power units used in different systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( HP \) — Power in horsepower

Explanation: 1 mechanical horsepower equals exactly 0.745699872 kilowatts. The calculator uses the standard conversion factor of 0.746 for simplicity.

3. Importance of Power Unit Conversion

Details: Converting between HP and kW is essential when working with mixed systems (mechanical and electrical) or comparing equipment specifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the horsepower value (must be > 0) and the calculator will instantly provide the equivalent power in kilowatts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 0.746?
A: This is the exact conversion factor defined by the international standard, where 1 HP = 745.699872 watts = 0.745699872 kW.

Q2: Are there different types of horsepower?
A: Yes, this calculator uses mechanical horsepower (also called imperial horsepower). Metric horsepower uses 0.7355 as the conversion factor.

Q3: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common uses include sizing electrical systems for motor loads, comparing engine outputs, or converting specifications between standards.

Q4: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 0.746 factor provides precision to 3 decimal places, sufficient for most engineering applications.

Q5: Can I convert kW back to HP?
A: Yes, simply divide kW by 0.746 to get horsepower. We may add a reverse calculator in future updates.