1. What is a kW to Amps 3 Phase 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)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (for three-phase balance).

3. Importance of 3-Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and prevents equipment damage from overload.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, line voltage (default 400V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0 (PF between 0.01-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line and phase voltage?
A: Line voltage is between any two phases, while phase voltage is between a phase and neutral. For delta systems, they're equal; for wye, line voltage is √3 × phase voltage.

Q2: What is power factor?
A: Power factor (0-1) represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. Motors typically have PF 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads have PF 1.

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 accounts for the 120° phase shift between the three phases in balanced systems.

Q4: What voltage should I use for 480V systems?
A: Enter 480 for line-to-line voltage in standard 480V 3-phase systems.

Q5: How do I calculate single-phase current?
A: Use the formula \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \) (without the √3 factor).