Three Phase Current Formula:
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Definition: This calculator converts three-phase power in kilowatts (kW) to electric current in amperes (A).
Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the current draw of three-phase equipment.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage, power factor, and square root of 3 for three-phase systems.
Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper sizing of wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components for safety and efficiency.
Tips: Enter power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 400V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with PF between 0.01 and 1.
Q1: What's the difference between line and phase voltage?
A: Line voltage is between any two phases, while phase voltage is between a phase and neutral. For delta systems they're equal, for wye systems line voltage is √3 times phase voltage.
Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have PF 0.8-0.9, lighting 0.95, and resistive loads 1.0. The default 0.8 is common for industrial loads.
Q3: Why multiply by 1000 in the formula?
A: This converts kilowatts (kW) to watts (W) since 1 kW = 1000 W.
Q4: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, use the single-phase formula: I = P × 1000 / (V × PF).
Q5: What voltage should I use for 480V systems?
A: For standard 480V three-phase systems, enter 480 as the voltage.