1. What is a Three Phase Wattage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in watts for a three-phase electrical system based on voltage, current, and power factor.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians determine the actual power consumption in three-phase AC circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Real power (watts)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference in three-phase systems, while the power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power.

3. Importance of Three Phase Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper equipment sizing, energy efficiency, and electrical system safety in industrial and commercial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (default 0.8). All values must be > 0, with power factor between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In three-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage. This calculator uses line-to-line voltage.

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Motors typically have 0.8-0.9 PF, while purely resistive loads have 1.0. The default 0.8 is common for industrial loads.

Q3: Does this calculate real or apparent power?
A: This calculates real power (watts). For apparent power (VA), omit the power factor from the calculation.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, for single-phase use P = V × I × PF (without the √3 factor).

Q5: How does power factor affect the result?
A: Lower power factor means more current is needed for the same real power, indicating less efficient power usage.