1. What is Electrical Power?

Definition: Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit.

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the power consumption or generation in electrical systems based on voltage and current.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power (watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)

Explanation: The voltage is multiplied by the current to calculate the power in watts.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Proper power calculation ensures electrical systems are properly sized, helps with energy efficiency, and prevents circuit overloads.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and current in amperes. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC, this simple formula works. For AC, you need to consider power factor (P = V × I × PF).

Q2: How do I convert watts to kilowatts?
A: Divide the watt value by 1000 (1 kW = 1000 W).

Q3: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America, 120V for most circuits, 240V for large appliances.

Q4: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Power is the rate, energy is the total.

Q5: What's the maximum power for a standard 15A circuit?
A: At 120V: 120 × 15 = 1800 watts (80% rule suggests 1440W continuous load).