1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation W = V × I calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and current measurements. It represents the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced in a circuit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: This fundamental equation in electrical engineering shows the direct relationship between voltage, current, and power in a DC circuit or the real power in an AC circuit with unity power factor.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, calculating operating costs, and ensuring electrical safety in various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between DC and AC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, W = V × I directly applies. For AC circuits with reactive components, the calculation becomes more complex and requires considering power factor.

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Power (watts) multiplied by time (hours) gives energy consumption in watt-hours, which is what utility companies bill for.

Q3: What are typical voltage and current ranges?
A: Residential voltages are typically 120V or 240V, while currents can range from milliamps to hundreds of amps depending on the application.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, the formula becomes W = √3 × V × I × PF, where PF is the power factor.

Q5: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Understanding power consumption helps prevent circuit overloads, which can cause overheating and potential fire hazards.