1. What is the 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)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula converts kW to watts (×1000), then divides by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3 (approximately 1.732) for three-phase systems.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper sizing of cables, circuit breakers, and other electrical components for safety and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 400V), and power factor (default 0.8). Power factor must be between 0.01 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems, converting between line-to-line and phase quantities.

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

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common three-phase voltages are 208V, 400V, 480V (North America) or 380V, 400V, 415V (Europe/Asia).

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, use \( I = P_{kW} \times 1000 / (V \times PF) \) for single-phase without the √3 factor.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical values. Actual current may vary due to efficiency losses, harmonics, or voltage fluctuations.