Power Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes electrical power in watts based on voltage and current using Ohm's Law.
Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts determine the power consumption of electrical devices.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The voltage is multiplied by the current to determine the power consumption of an electrical device.
Details: Accurate power calculations are essential for circuit design, energy efficiency assessments, 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 real power and apparent power?
A: This calculator gives real power (in watts). Apparent power (in VA) would require considering power factor in AC circuits.
Q2: Can I use this for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, use directly. For AC circuits, this gives real power only if voltage and current are in phase (power factor = 1).
Q3: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - connect in parallel for voltage measurement, in series for current measurement.
Q4: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America, 120V for most outlets, 240V for large appliances. Europe typically uses 230V.
Q5: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.