1. What is Three Phase Panel Load Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the total power load in kilowatts (kW) for a three-phase electrical panel by summing the power of all individual circuits.

Purpose: Helps electrical engineers and technicians determine the total load on a three-phase panel for proper system design and safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Total power in kilowatts
• \( V_i \) — Voltage for circuit i (volts)
• \( I_i \) — Current for circuit i (amps)
• \( PF_i \) — Power factor for circuit i (0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems

Explanation: For each circuit, the calculator computes the power (voltage × current × power factor × √3) and sums all circuits, converting to kW by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of Panel Load Calculation

Details: Accurate load calculations ensure proper sizing of electrical panels, prevent overloads, and maintain system safety and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

1. Enter the number of circuits in the panel
2. For each circuit, enter voltage (typically 208V, 240V, 480V), current (in amps), and power factor (0.8 typical)
3. All values must be positive numbers

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between single-phase and three-phase calculations?
A: Three-phase uses √3 (about 1.732) in the formula while single-phase doesn't need this factor.

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

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common three-phase voltages are 208V, 240V, 480V. Check your system specifications.

Q4: How do I find the current for each circuit?
A: Measure with a clamp meter or check circuit breaker ratings (but actual current may be lower).

Q5: Should I include a safety factor?
A: The calculation gives actual load. For design purposes, consider adding 20-25% margin for future expansion.