1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator converts three-phase electrical measurements (voltage, current, and power factor) into real power in kilowatts.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems

Explanation: The formula accounts for all three phases and converts the apparent power to real power using the power factor.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Power Calculation

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

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, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: Why √3 in the formula?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems when converting between line-to-line and phase quantities.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial loads typically have PF between 0.8-0.95. Motors might be 0.85, while purely resistive loads are 1.0.

Q4: Is this for line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: The formula uses line-to-line voltage (the voltage between any two phases).

Q5: How do I measure current in a 3-phase system?
A: Use a clamp meter on one conductor while the system is operating under normal load.