Convert kW to Amps Calculator

Current Formula (Single-Phase):

\[ I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \]

Current (Amps):

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1. What is a kW to Amps Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amperes (A) for single-phase AC circuits.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIYers determine the current draw of electrical devices based on their power rating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \]

Where:

\( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
\( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
\( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The power in kW is converted to watts (×1000), then divided by the product of voltage and power factor.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Proper current calculation ensures correct wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and prevents electrical hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, system voltage (default 120V), and power factor (default 1.0 for resistive loads). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power, ranging from 0 to 1. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have PF<1.

Q2: What voltage should I use?
A: Common single-phase voltages are 120V (North America) or 230V (Europe). Check your local electrical standards.

Q3: Does this work for three-phase systems?
A: No, this is for single-phase only. Three-phase requires a different formula accounting for √3.

Q4: Why multiply kW by 1000?
A: To convert kilowatts to watts (1 kW = 1000 W) since the standard formula uses watts.

Q5: What if I don't know the power factor?
A: For resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights), use 1.0. For motors, typical values are 0.8-0.95.