1. What is a Power Supply Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the total power load by summing the wattage of all connected devices to a power supply.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts determine if their power supply can handle the connected load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{total} \) — Total power load (watts)
• \( P_{device} \) — Power consumption of each individual device (watts)

Explanation: The power consumption of all devices are summed together to get the total load on the power supply.

3. Importance of Power Load Calculation

Details: Proper power load calculation prevents circuit overloads, ensures electrical safety, and helps select appropriate power supply capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wattage for each device. Click "Add Another Device" for multiple devices. All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I don't know a device's wattage?
A: Check the device label or manual. Alternatively, use: watts = volts × amps.

Q2: Should I include all devices?
A: Yes, include all devices that will be simultaneously powered by the supply.

Q3: What's a safe margin above the calculated total?
A: It's recommended to have 20-30% capacity above your calculated load.

Q4: How does this differ for AC vs DC systems?
A: The calculation is the same, but ensure you're using consistent units (all watts).

Q5: Should I consider power factor in this calculation?
A: This simple calculator uses apparent power. For precise calculations, consider power factor for inductive loads.