1. What is 3-Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator estimates the power consumption of a three-phase electric motor based on voltage, current, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel determine motor power requirements and energy consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula accounts for all three phases in the system and converts the result to kilowatts.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper motor sizing, circuit protection, and energy efficiency analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.85). Power factor must be 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: What's a typical power factor for motors?
A: Most induction motors have power factors between 0.85-0.9 at full load, but this varies with load and motor type.

Q3: Why use line-to-line voltage?
A: 3-phase power calculations typically use line-to-line voltage (phase-to-phase) rather than line-to-neutral voltage.

Q4: How do I measure current?
A: Use a clamp meter to measure current in one phase conductor while the motor is running.

Q5: Does this work for single-phase systems?
A: No, this is specifically for 3-phase systems. Single-phase uses a different formula without the √3 factor.