1. What is a Single Phase Current Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the electrical current in amps for single-phase systems based on power, voltage, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIYers properly size wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components.

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 and power factor to get current.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures electrical safety, prevents circuit overloads, and helps select properly sized components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, system voltage (default 120V), and power factor (default 0.9). Power factor must be between 0.1 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power, typically between 0 and 1. Most systems aim for 0.9 or higher.

Q2: What's a typical voltage for single-phase systems?
A: Common voltages are 120V (North America) or 230V (many other countries), but always check your specific system.

Q3: When would I use a lower power factor?
A: For inductive loads like motors or transformers, power factor may be lower (0.7-0.8) unless corrected.

Q4: How do I convert HP to kW for motor calculations?
A: 1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW. Use our HP to kW converter if needed.

Q5: Does this work for three-phase systems?
A: No, use our Three-Phase Current Calculator for three-phase systems.