1. What is a 3-Phase Current Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the current in a 3-phase electrical system based on power, voltage, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the current flow in 3-phase power systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The power in kW is converted to watts (×1000), then divided by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (approximately 1.732) for 3-phase systems.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper sizing of wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components for safety and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, line voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with PF between 0.01 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 factor accounts for the phase difference in 3-phase systems (120° between phases).

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial loads typically range from 0.8 to 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 (phase-to-phase voltage).

Q5: How do I find the power if I know current?
A: Rearrange the formula: \( P_{kW} = (I \times V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}) / 1000 \)