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

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amperes (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 (amperes)
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for three-phase power characteristics including the √3 factor for line-to-line voltage.

3. Importance of 3-Phase Current Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 400V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with 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: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times higher than line-to-neutral. This calculator uses line-to-line voltage.

Q2: What is power factor and why does it matter?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. Lower PF means more current is needed for the same real power.

Q3: What voltage should I use for my country?
A: Common voltages are 208V, 380V, 400V, 415V, 480V. Check your local standards - 400V is common in Europe, 480V in North America.

Q4: How do I find the power factor of my equipment?
A: Check equipment specifications or use a power meter. Typical values: motors (0.8-0.9), lighting (0.9-1.0).

Q5: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, use a different formula (I = P × 1000 / (V × PF)) for single-phase systems.