1. What is kVA?

kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is a unit of apparent power in an electrical circuit. It represents the total power in an AC circuit, combining both the real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the single phase power equation:

Where:

• \( S \) — Apparent power (kVA)
• \( I \) — Current (Amperes)
• \( V \) — Voltage (Volts)

Explanation: The equation converts the product of current and voltage (in volt-amperes) to kilovolt-amperes by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of kVA Calculation

Details: kVA is crucial for sizing electrical equipment like transformers, generators, and circuit breakers. It helps determine the capacity needed for electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes (A) and voltage in volts (V). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the apparent power in kVA.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kVA and kW?
A: kVA is apparent power (volts × amps), while kW is real power (volts × amps × power factor). kVA includes both real and reactive power.

Q2: Can I use this for three-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator is for single-phase only. Three-phase requires multiplying by √3 (1.732).

Q3: Why divide by 1000?
A: The division converts volt-amperes (VA) to kilovolt-amperes (kVA), which is a more practical unit for most electrical systems.

Q4: What are typical kVA ratings?
A: Small appliances might be 1-5 kVA, while large industrial equipment can be hundreds or thousands of kVA.

Q5: How does power factor affect kVA?
A: Power factor doesn't change kVA, but it affects the ratio between kVA (apparent power) and kW (real power).