1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator converts three-phase electrical current (amps) to power (kilowatts) using voltage and power factor.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — 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 in an AC system and the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for sizing equipment, calculating energy consumption, and ensuring electrical system safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line-to-line 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, ranging from 0 to 1. It represents the efficiency of power usage.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial motors typically have 0.8-0.9 PF, while purely resistive loads have 1.0 PF.

Q3: Is this for line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: The formula uses line-to-line (phase-to-phase) voltage.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( P_{kW} = \frac{V \times I \times PF}{1000} \) (without √3).

Q5: Why divide by 1000?
A: This converts watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W).