1. What is the 3 Phase Power Equation?

The 3 phase power equation calculates current (amps) from energy consumption (kWh), voltage, power factor, and time period. It's essential for electrical system design and analysis in three-phase power systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3 phase power equation:

Where:

• \( kWh \) — Energy consumption in kilowatt-hours
• \( V \) — Line voltage in volts
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
• \( Hours \) — Time period in hours
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)
• 1000 — Conversion factor from kW to W

Explanation: The equation converts energy consumption to power, then calculates current considering three-phase power characteristics.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for sizing wires, circuit breakers, and other electrical components to ensure safe and efficient operation of three-phase electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy in kWh, voltage in volts, power factor (typically 0.8-1.0), and time period in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

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. It represents how effectively electrical power is being used.

Q2: Why is √3 used in three-phase calculations?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference (120°) between the three phases in a balanced three-phase system.

Q3: What's the difference between line and phase voltage?
A: Line voltage is between any two phases, while phase voltage is between a phase and neutral. In star connections, line voltage = √3 × phase voltage.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase systems use: Amps = (kWh × 1000) / (V × PF × Hours).

Q5: What are typical power factor values?
A: Motors: 0.8-0.9, resistive loads: 1.0, fluorescent lighting: 0.5-0.9. Always check equipment specifications.