1. What is a Three Phase kW to Amps Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts three-phase power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amperes (A).

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the current draw for three-phase electrical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The power in kW is converted to watts (×1000), then divided by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (for three-phase systems).

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper sizing of wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components, preventing overheating and ensuring safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, system voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.85). All values must be > 0, with PF between 0.01 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 (typically 0.8-0.95 for motors).

Q2: Why is √3 used in three-phase calculations?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference between the three voltage waveforms in a balanced three-phase system.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common three-phase voltages are 208V, 240V, 480V, and 600V in North America. Use your system's line-to-line voltage.

Q4: How does this differ from single-phase calculation?
A: Single-phase omits the √3 factor and uses line-to-neutral voltage. The formula becomes \( I = P_{kW} \times 1000 / (V \times PF) \).

Q5: What if I know horsepower instead of kW?
A: First convert HP to kW (1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW) or use our HP to Amps calculator.