Power Formula:
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The power formula (W = V × I) calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and current. It represents the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit.
The calculator uses the power formula:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation in electrical engineering shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current.
Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, electrical safety assessments, and proper sizing of electrical components and systems.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, power is simply V × I. For AC circuits, power calculation requires considering power factor (P = V × I × PF).
Q2: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy consumption (in watt-hours) is power (in watts) multiplied by time (in hours). This is how electricity usage is typically measured.
Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: Common appliances range from 5-10W (LED bulbs) to 1000-3000W (heaters, air conditioners). Always check manufacturer specifications.
Q4: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Calculating power helps determine proper wire sizing, circuit breaker ratings, and prevents overload conditions that could cause fires.
Q5: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, power is calculated as P = √3 × V × I × PF, where V is line voltage and I is line current.