3-Phase Current Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in kilowatts to current in amps for three-phase systems.
Purpose: It helps electricians and engineers determine the current draw of three-phase electrical 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 √3 (1.732) for three-phase systems.
Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper wire sizing, circuit protection, and equipment compatibility in three-phase systems.
Tips: Enter the power in kW, line voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.8). Power factor must be between 0.01 and 1.
Q1: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: √3 (approximately 1.732) accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems.
Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have 0.8-0.9 PF, while 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 voltage (common in three-phase systems).
Q4: How does this differ from single-phase calculation?
A: Single-phase omits the √3 factor and uses phase-to-neutral voltage.
Q5: What if I know horsepower instead of kW?
A: First convert HP to kW (1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW) before using this calculator.