1. What is a 3 Phase Power Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in kilowatts (kW) for three-phase electrical systems.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems

Explanation: The formula accounts for all three phases and the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of 3 Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency, and electrical system safety.

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, with 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, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: Why use line-to-line voltage?
A: Three-phase systems typically measure voltage between any two phases (line-to-line), which is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have 0.8-0.9 PF, while purely resistive loads have 1.0. The default 0.8 is common for industrial loads.

Q4: How does this differ from single-phase calculation?
A: Single-phase uses P=VI×PF/1000 without the √3 factor, as it only considers one phase.

Q5: Can I calculate apparent power with this?
A: No, this calculates real power. For apparent power (kVA), omit the PF from the calculation.