1. What is Amp Draw?

Amp draw (current) is the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit, measured in amperes (amps). It's calculated by dividing power (watts) by voltage (volts).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic electrical power formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Current in amperes (amps)
• \( P \) — Power in watts
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts

Explanation: This formula comes from the fundamental relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits.

3. Importance of Amp Draw Calculation

Details: Calculating amp draw is essential for circuit design, selecting proper wire sizes, choosing circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current draw in amps.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC amp draw?
A: The basic calculation is the same, but AC circuits may have additional factors like power factor that affect actual current.

Q2: How does amp draw relate to wire size?
A: Higher amp draws require thicker wires to prevent overheating and voltage drop.

Q3: What happens if amp draw exceeds circuit capacity?
A: This can trip breakers, blow fuses, or in extreme cases, cause overheating and fire hazards.

Q4: Can I use this for three-phase calculations?
A: For three-phase systems, you'll need to include the power factor (typically 1.732 for balanced three-phase).

Q5: Why is knowing amp draw important for batteries?
A: It helps determine how long a battery will last under a given load (battery capacity is often rated in amp-hours).