1. What is a Voltage to Power Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the electrical power in watts based on voltage, current, and power factor for AC circuits.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIYers calculate power consumption or generation in electrical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_w \) — Power in watts
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts
• \( I \) — Current in amperes
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives apparent power, which is then multiplied by the power factor to get real power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculations are essential for circuit design, load balancing, energy efficiency, and safety compliance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 1.0 for purely resistive loads). All values must be > 0.

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 converted to useful work (typically 0.8-1.0).

Q2: When should I use a power factor less than 1?
A: For AC circuits with inductive or capacitive loads (motors, transformers, etc.) where current and voltage are out of phase.

Q3: Is this calculator for AC or DC circuits?
A: Primarily for AC circuits. For DC circuits, set power factor to 1 (PF is always 1 in DC).

Q4: How do I measure current and voltage?
A: Use a multimeter - measure voltage across the load and current in series with the load.

Q5: What's the difference between real and apparent power?
A: Real power (watts) does actual work, while apparent power (VA) is the product of V×I without considering phase angle.