Single Phase Power Formula

Single Phase Power Formula:

\[ P_{kW} = \frac{V \times I \times PF}{1000} \]

Power (P_kW): kW

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1. What is Single Phase Power Formula?

Definition: This formula calculates the real power in kilowatts (kW) for single-phase AC electrical systems.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians determine the actual power consumption in single-phase circuits.

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The formula is:

\[ P_{kW} = \frac{V \times I \times PF}{1000} \]

Where:

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

Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives apparent power, which is then multiplied by the power factor to get real power, and divided by 1000 to convert to kilowatts.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper sizing of electrical components, energy efficiency, and safety in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, and power factor must be ≤ 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 value?
A: For residential circuits, it's typically 0.8-0.95. Industrial loads may have lower power factors.

Q3: Why divide by 1000?
A: This converts the result from watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W).

Q4: Does this work for DC circuits?
A: For DC, use P = V × I (power factor is 1), then divide by 1000 for kW.

Q5: How do I measure current and voltage?
A: Use a multimeter - measure voltage across the load and current in series with the load.