3-Phase Current Formula:
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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 equipment based on its power rating.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The power in kW is converted to watts (×1000), then divided by the product of voltage, power factor, and √3.
Details: Accurate current calculation ensures proper sizing of cables, circuit breakers, and other electrical components for safety and efficiency.
Tips: Enter the power in kW, line voltage (default 400V for many industrial systems), and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, ranging from 0 to 1. It represents how effectively power is being used.
Q2: What voltage should I use?
A: Common three-phase voltages include 208V, 400V, 480V. Check your equipment specifications or local standards.
Q3: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, use a different formula (I = P×1000 / V×PF) for single-phase calculations.
Q4: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: √3 accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems, converting between line and phase values.
Q5: What if my power factor is unknown?
A: Use 0.8 as a typical estimate for motors, or 1.0 for purely resistive loads like heaters.