One of the most common types of electricity conversions that must be performed is the transformation from kW (kilowatts) to Amps.
Electrical power is measured in watts, and one kilowatt is equivalent to one thousand watts (wattage).
The ampere, also known as “A,” is the unit of measurement for electrical current. It is abbreviated as “A.” (amperage).
DC KW to Amps Calculation:
The following is the formula for converting kilowatts to amps for direct current:
The power, which is measured in kilowatts (kW), is multiplied by 1000, and then divided by the voltage, which is measured in volts (V): the current, which is measured in amps (A), is proportional to the power.
I = 1000 × P / V
AC KW (Single Phase) to Amps Calculation:
Conversion from kilowatts to amperes for alternating current with a single phase:
The phase current I, which is measured in amps (A), is proportional to 1000 times the power P, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). This value is then divided by the power factor PF, which is then multiplied by the RMS voltage V, which is measured in volts (V):
I = 1000 × P / (PF × V)
AC KW (Three Phase) to Amps Calculation:
The following is the conversion from kilowatts to amps for three-phase alternating current:
When doing the calculation, using the voltage from one line to the next:
The phase current I, which is measured in amps (A), is proportional to one thousand times the power P, which is measured in kilowatts (kW), and this value is then divided by the square root of three times the power factor PF, and this value is then multiplied by the line-to-line RMS voltage VL-L, which is measured in volts (V):
I = 1000 × P / (√3 × PF × VL-L)
Using the voltage from the line to the neutral, perform the following calculation:
The phase current I, which is measured in amps (A), is proportional to one thousand times the power P, which is measured in kilowatts (kW), and this value is then divided by three times the power factor PF, and this value is then multiplied by the line-to-neutral RMS voltage, which is measured in volts (V):
I = 1000 × P / (3 × PF × VL-N)
Common Power Factor Values
| Â Device/Load | Â Power Factor |
| Incandescent lamps | 1.0 |
| Resistive loads | 1.0 |
| Synchronous motors | 0.8-0.95 |
| Induction motors (small) | 0.7-0.8 |
| Induction motors (large) | 0.85-0.95 |
| Transformers | 0.8-0.95 |
| Fluorescent lighting (magnetic ballast) | 0.7-0.9 |
| Fluorescent lighting (electronic ballast) | 0.9-0.99 |
| Computers and electronics | 0.6-0.8 |
Note
The power factor figures shown here are approximations and may vary depending on the specific appliance, load, and other factors involved. When designing and implementing electrical systems, it important to consider the power factor to ensure efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Conversion Table: Amps and Kilowatts at 120V AC
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