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Electric Motor Horsepower to Watts

Power Conversion Formula:

\[ P_w = HP \times 746 \]

HP
W

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1. What is Horsepower to Watts Conversion?

Definition: This calculator converts mechanical horsepower (HP) to electrical power in watts (W).

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and DIYers convert between mechanical and electrical power units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ P_w = HP \times 746 \]

Where:

Explanation: 1 mechanical horsepower is equivalent to 746 watts by definition.

3. Importance of Power Conversion

Details: Accurate conversion is essential for proper motor sizing, electrical system design, and energy efficiency calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the horsepower value (must be > 0) and the calculator will display the equivalent power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 746 watts per horsepower?
A: This is the standard conversion factor defined in the International System of Units (SI).

Q2: Does this work for all types of horsepower?
A: This uses mechanical horsepower (1 HP = 746 W). Metric horsepower uses 735.5 W and boiler horsepower uses 9809.5 W.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact since it's based on definition rather than measurement.

Q4: What's the typical wattage for common motors?
A: A 1 HP motor ≈ 746 W, 5 HP ≈ 3730 W, 10 HP ≈ 7460 W.

Q5: Does this account for motor efficiency?
A: No, this is the theoretical conversion. Actual electrical input will be higher due to efficiency losses.

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