1. What is a 3-Phase kW to Amps Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amps (A) for three-phase AC systems.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the three-phase power relationship and converts kW to watts (×1000).

3. Importance of 3-Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper wire sizing, circuit protection, and equipment selection for three-phase systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0 (PF between 0.01 and 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: For three-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage. This calculator uses line-to-line voltage.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have PF of 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads have PF of 1.0. The default 0.8 is common for industrial loads.

Q3: Why multiply by 1000 in the formula?
A: This converts kilowatts to watts (1 kW = 1000 W) since the standard electrical formulas use watts.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, use the single-phase formula: I = P × 1000 / (V × PF).

Q5: How does voltage affect the current?
A: Higher voltage systems draw less current for the same power, allowing smaller conductors for the same power transmission.