1. What is a kW to Current Converter?

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 of electrical equipment based on its power rating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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 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, with PF between 0.01 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. Most loads have PF between 0.8 and 0.95.

Q2: Can I use this for three-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator is for single-phase only. Three-phase requires a different formula.

Q3: What's a typical power factor value?
A: Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) have PF=1. Motors typically have PF=0.8-0.9.

Q4: Why multiply kW by 1000?
A: To convert kilowatts to watts (1 kW = 1000 watts) since the formula uses watts for calculation.

Q5: How does voltage affect current?
A: Higher voltage results in lower current for the same power, following Ohm's Law (P=VI).