1. What is a Three Phase Power Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the power in kilowatts for a three-phase electrical system based on voltage, current, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the power consumption or generation in three-phase systems.

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 (0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

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

3. Importance of Three Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and electrical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, and PF 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, ranging from 0 to 1. It represents the efficiency of power usage.

Q2: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The square root of 3 (≈1.732) accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems when converting between line and phase values.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Industrial systems often aim for 0.8-0.95. Motors might have 0.85, while purely resistive loads have 1.0.

Q4: Is this for line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: The formula uses line-to-line voltage (the voltage between any two phases).

Q5: How do I convert kW to horsepower?
A: Multiply kW by 1.341 to get horsepower (HP).