1. What is Electrical Power Load Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in a three-phase electrical system based on voltage, current, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and electricians determine the actual power consumption in three-phase systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_w \) — Real power (watts)
• \( V \) — Line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Line current (amps)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula accounts for all three phases in the system and the phase relationship between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency analysis, and electrical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line voltage in volts, line current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with PF ≤ 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: What's a typical power factor value?
A: For industrial motors, 0.8-0.9 is common. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have lower PF.

Q3: Why √3 in the formula?
A: The √3 accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q4: Is this for line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage?
A: The formula uses line-to-line voltage (phase-to-phase voltage).

Q5: How do I calculate apparent power?
A: Apparent power (VA) = V × I × √3 (without power factor multiplication).