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

Definition: This calculator converts power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amps (A) for three-phase electrical systems.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians determine the current draw of three-phase equipment based on its power rating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amps
• \( P_{kW} \) — Power in kilowatts
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts
• \( PF \) — Power factor (0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

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

3. Importance of Accurate Current Calculation

Details: Proper current calculation ensures correct wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and prevents equipment damage from overcurrent.

4. Using the Calculator

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, with PF 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 PF 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads have PF 1.0. The default 0.8 is common for industrial equipment.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common three-phase voltages are 208V, 400V, 480V. Check your system specifications.

Q4: How does this differ from single-phase calculation?
A: Single-phase omits the √3 factor: \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \)

Q5: Does this work for DC systems?
A: No, for DC simply use \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V} \) (no PF or √3 factor).