kW to Current Calculator by Tons of Concrete

Current Formula:

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

Current (amps):

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1. What is a kW to Current Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIYers determine the current draw from electrical devices when the power rating is known.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Current Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the power in kW, voltage (default 120V), and power factor (default 1.0 for resistive loads). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, ranging from 0 to 1. Resistive loads (like heaters) have PF=1, while motors typically have PF=0.8-0.9.

Q2: Why multiply kW by 1000?
A: We convert kilowatts to watts (1 kW = 1000 W) since the formula uses watts for power.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common voltages are 120V (US residential), 230V (European), or 240V (US appliances). Check your device specifications.

Q4: Does this work for three-phase systems?
A: No, this is for single-phase only. Three-phase requires a different formula with √3 factor.

Q5: What if my device lists current but not power?
A: Use our Current to kW Calculator to work in reverse.