1. What is a kW to Amps Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amperes (A) for single-phase AC circuits.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIYers determine the current draw of electrical equipment based on its power rating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts (kW)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The power in kW is first converted to watts (×1000), then divided by the product of voltage and power factor.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Proper current calculation ensures correct wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and prevents electrical hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, system voltage (default 120V), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0 (PF between 0.1 and 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power, typically between 0 and 1. For resistive loads it's 1, for motors about 0.8.

Q2: Is this for AC or DC circuits?
A: This calculator is for single-phase AC circuits. For DC, use PF = 1.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common voltages are 120V (US residential), 230V (EU residential), or equipment-rated voltage.

Q4: How does this differ from three-phase calculation?
A: Three-phase adds a √3 factor. Use our Three-Phase kW to Amps calculator for those applications.

Q5: Why is my calculated current higher than expected?
A: Check your power factor - lower PF values result in higher current for the same power.