1. What is a 3-Phase kWh Meter Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for a 3-phase electrical system based on voltage, current, power factor, and time.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and facility managers calculate energy usage in three-phase power systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E_{kWh} \) — Energy consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0 to 1)
• \( t \) — Time (hours)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption in a balanced three-phase system accounting for all three phases.

3. Importance of 3-Phase kWh Calculation

Details: Accurate energy calculation helps in power monitoring, billing, efficiency analysis, and electrical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, power factor (default 0.9), and time in hours. All values must be > 0 (PF between 0-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line and phase voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line voltage is between any two lines, while phase voltage is between any line and neutral.

Q2: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor (0-1) represents efficiency of power usage. Lower PF means more apparent power is needed for same real power.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( E_{kWh} = (V \times I \times PF \times t) / 1000 \) (without √3).

Q4: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically 0.8-0.9, resistive loads 1.0, fluorescent lights 0.5-0.9.

Q5: How do I measure current for this calculation?
A: Use a clamp meter on one phase of a balanced load, or average current from all three phases.