kW to Amps Calculator (AC Current)
What is a kW to Amp Calculator for AC Current?
A kW to Amp calculator for AC, or Alternating Current, is a convenient conversion tool, used in the conversion of electrical power in kilowatts (kW) to current in amperes (Amps), mainly applied in AC-powered systems. This relationship applies extensively to all fields relating to electricity, ranging from household power systems to commercial and industrial setups. A suitable conversion of kW to Amp is based on such parameters as the voltage, the power factor, and whether it is a single-phase or three-phase system. This tool reduces the process down to getting the proper Amp values, which are a necessity in the designing and setting up as well as troubleshooting and maintenance of electrical systems.
AC current (Three phase - line to line)
In a line-to-line configuration, the measurement of voltage is between two of the three phases and not between a phase and a neutral point as in the case of line-to-neutral configuration. This means that the level of voltage will be much higher compared to the voltage in the case of line-to-neutral configuration. This makes it better suited for long-distance power transmission and high-heavy-high-current loads.
Ac Current (Three phase - Line to neutral)
A line-to-neutral configuration in a three-phase AC system directly connects the three phases of the electrical system to a common neutral point. This configuration then divides the three phases separately, then forms a junction at the point known as the neutral junction that makes three individual lines between each phase and the neutral point have a lower voltage level than that found in the three-phase AC system with the line-to-line configuration.
AC Current Formulas
AC Single-Phase Formula
To calculate current (Amps) for AC single-phase power:
\[ \text{Amps (A)} = \frac{\text{kW} \times 1000}{\text{Voltage (V)} \times \text{Power Factor (PF)}} \]
Where:
- \(\text{kW}\) = Power in kilowatts
- \(\text{V}\) = Voltage in volts
- \(\text{PF}\) = Power factor
AC Three-Phase Formula (Line to Line)
To calculate current (Amps) for AC three-phase power in line-to-line configuration:
\[ \text{Amps (A)} = \frac{\text{kW} \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times \text{Voltage (V)} \times \text{Power Factor (PF)}} \]
Where:
- \(\text{kW}\) = Power in kilowatts
- \(\text{V}\) = Line-to-line voltage in volts
- \(\text{PF}\) = Power factor
- \(\sqrt{3} \approx 1.732\)
AC Three-Phase Formula (Line to Neutral)
To calculate current (Amps) for AC three-phase power in line-to-neutral configuration:
\[ \text{Amps (A)} = \frac{\text{kW} \times 1000}{3 \times \text{Voltage (V)} \times \text{Power Factor (PF)}} \]
Where:
- \(\text{kW}\) = Power in kilowatts
- \(\text{V}\) = Line-to-neutral voltage in volts
- \(\text{PF}\) = Power factor
Example Calculation
If the power is 5 kW, the voltage is 400 V, and the power factor is 0.8, then for a three-phase line-to-line configuration:
\[ \text{Amps (A)} = \frac{5 \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times 400 \times 0.8} \approx 9.01 \text{ A} \]