1. What is AC Power?

AC Power (Alternating Current Power) is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an alternating current circuit. It's calculated as the product of voltage and current in the circuit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in Watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in Volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in Amperes (A)

Explanation: This formula calculates real power in a purely resistive AC circuit. For circuits with reactance, power factor must be considered.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating AC power is essential for designing electrical systems, determining energy consumption, selecting appropriate wiring and components, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power?
A: AC power alternates direction periodically while DC power flows in one constant direction. AC is used for power distribution, DC for electronics.

Q2: What is power factor in AC circuits?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, ranging from 0 to 1. It accounts for phase difference between voltage and current.

Q3: How does three-phase power differ?
A: Three-phase power uses three alternating currents phase-shifted by 120°, providing more consistent power delivery than single-phase.

Q4: What are typical household voltages?
A: Common household voltages are 120V in North America and 230V in many other countries.

Q5: How do I convert watts to kilowatts?
A: Divide watts by 1000 (1 kW = 1000 W). This calculator shows watts but you can easily convert the result.