Power Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes electrical power consumption in watts using voltage and current values.
Purpose: It helps determine the power requirements of electrical devices and circuits for proper system design and energy management.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The voltage is multiplied by the current to determine the power consumption in watts.
Details: Accurate power calculations are essential for circuit design, energy efficiency, proper component selection, and electrical safety.
Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between watts and volt-amperes?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amperes represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or purely resistive AC circuits.
Q2: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - set to volts for voltage measurement and amps for current measurement (in series with the load).
Q3: Can I calculate power for AC circuits?
A: This calculator works for DC and resistive AC loads. For reactive loads, you need to consider power factor.
Q4: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America, 120V for most outlets and 240V for large appliances. Europe uses 230V standard.
Q5: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Power is the rate of energy consumption.