kW to Current 3 Phase

3-Phase Current Formula:

\[ I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}} \]

Current (I): amps

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

Definition: This calculator converts three-phase power in kilowatts to current in amperes.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the current draw for three-phase systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF \times \sqrt{3}} \]

Where:

\( I \) — Current (amperes)
\( P_{kW} \) — Power (kilowatts)
\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, 0-1)

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 wire sizing, circuit breaker selection, and electrical system safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 480V), and power factor (default 0.85). All values must be > 0 (PF between 0.01 and 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the √3 factor used?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems when using line-to-line voltage.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have PF of 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads have PF of 1.0.

Q3: Does this work for single-phase systems?
A: No, use a different formula (I = P_kW × 1000 / (V × PF)) for single-phase.

Q4: What if I know the current and want to find power?
A: Rearrange the formula: P_kW = (I × V × PF × √3) / 1000.

Q5: Should I use line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: Always use line-to-line voltage for this calculation.