1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation relates electrical power to current and voltage. It provides a fundamental calculation in electrical engineering and physics for determining power consumption or generation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both current and voltage in an electrical circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical systems, determining energy consumption, sizing components, and ensuring safety in electrical installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes and voltage in volts. 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 Watts and Volt-Amps?
A: Watts represent real power, while Volt-Amps (VA) represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or AC circuits with purely resistive loads.

Q2: How do I calculate power for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase systems, multiply by √3 (about 1.732) and the power factor: P = √3 × V × I × PF.

Q3: What is a typical current for household appliances?
A: Household appliances typically range from 0.5A (small devices) to 15A (large appliances) at 120V or 240V.

Q4: Can I use this for DC and AC circuits?
A: This calculator works for DC and AC circuits with purely resistive loads. For reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

Q5: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (in watts) × Time (in hours). Power tells you the rate of energy use.