1. What is the Power Formula?

The power formula P = I × V calculates electrical power in watts from current (in amperes) and voltage (in volts). This fundamental equation in electrical engineering represents the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula shows that power is directly proportional to both current and voltage. Doubling either current or voltage will double the power output.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, energy consumption estimation, and proper sizing of electrical components and systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = I × V directly. For AC circuits, power factor must be considered: P = I × V × PF.

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours). This calculator helps determine instantaneous power consumption.

Q3: What are typical household appliance power ratings?
A: LED bulbs: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric heater: 1000-1500W.

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

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: The formula provides theoretical maximum power. Actual power may be lower due to efficiency losses, power factor, and other real-world factors.