Amps Calculation Formula:
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The kW to Amps conversion calculates the electric current (in amperes) from power (in kilowatts) and voltage (in volts). This is essential for electrical system design, circuit protection, and equipment selection.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts kilowatts to watts (×1000) then divides by voltage to get current according to Ohm's Law (P = IV).
Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for selecting proper wire sizes, circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety in both residential and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter power in kilowatts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. For DC systems, use actual voltage. For AC systems, use RMS voltage.
Q1: Is this calculation different for AC vs DC?
A: For purely resistive loads, the calculation is the same. For AC with reactive components, power factor must be considered.
Q2: What's the difference between kW and kVA?
A: kW is real power, while kVA is apparent power (includes reactive power). They're equal in purely resistive circuits.
Q3: How does three-phase calculation differ?
A: For three-phase systems, the formula becomes: \( Amps = \frac{kW \times 1000}{Volts \times \sqrt{3} \times PF} \) where PF is power factor.
Q4: Why is current calculation important for wiring?
A: Current determines wire gauge needed to prevent overheating and voltage drop over distance.
Q5: What's a typical household current?
A: In 120V systems, a 1.5kW device would draw about 12.5A. Standard circuits are often 15A or 20A.