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Electric Power & Current Calculator

Calculate electrical power, current, energy consumption, and costs for AC and DC circuits

Electrical Calculations

V
A
Ω

How to Use the Calculator

Getting Started

  • Step 1: Choose the type of calculation you need (Power, Current, Energy, or Cost)
  • Step 2: Select circuit type (DC or AC) for electrical calculations
  • Step 3: Enter the known electrical values in the appropriate fields
  • Step 4: Click Calculate to get comprehensive results with explanations

Key Electrical Concepts

  • DC Power: P = V×I = V²/R = I²R (Direct Current)
  • AC Power: P = V×I×cos(φ) (Alternating Current with power factor)
  • Apparent Power: S = V×I (Total power in AC circuits)
  • Energy: E = P×t (Power consumed over time)

Best Practices

  • Safety: Always verify calculations before working with electrical systems
  • Power Factor: Consider power factor in AC circuits for accurate calculations
  • Efficiency: Account for system efficiency in energy and cost calculations
  • Three-Phase: Use three-phase calculations for industrial applications

Professional Guidelines

  • Electrical Codes: Follow local electrical codes and standards
  • Safety Factor: Use appropriate safety margins in electrical design
  • Load Analysis: Consider peak loads and demand factors
  • Professional Review: Have calculations reviewed by licensed electricians

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between DC and AC power calculations?

DC power is simply P = V×I, while AC power must account for the power factor: P = V×I×cos(φ). AC circuits also have apparent power and reactive power components.

How do I calculate power factor?

Power factor is the cosine of the phase angle between voltage and current. It ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 represents a purely resistive load and lower values indicate reactive components.

When should I use three-phase calculations?

Use three-phase calculations for industrial equipment, large motors, and commercial electrical systems. Three-phase power is √3 times the single-phase equivalent.

How do I account for efficiency in energy calculations?

Efficiency affects actual energy consumption. If a system is 85% efficient, it consumes more energy than theoretically calculated to deliver the rated power output.

What factors affect electrical energy costs?

Energy costs depend on power consumption, operating time, efficiency, and utility rates. Some utilities also charge demand charges based on peak power usage.

How accurate are these calculations for real-world applications?

These calculations are accurate for ideal conditions. Real-world factors like voltage variations, harmonics, and temperature effects may require additional considerations.

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