1. What is Electrical Power?

Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It is measured in watts (W) and represents the amount of energy consumed or produced per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the electrical power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This fundamental equation shows that electrical power is the product of voltage and current in a circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating electrical power is essential for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, electrical safety assessments, and determining appropriate component ratings in electrical systems.

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 is the difference between AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC circuits, power calculation may involve power factor (P = V × I × PF) for accurate results.

Q2: How does resistance relate to power?
A: Using Ohm's Law (V = I × R), power can also be calculated as P = I² × R or P = V² / R.

Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: Common appliances range from 5W (LED bulb) to 3000W (electric heater). Always check manufacturer specifications for exact ratings.

Q4: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Calculating power helps determine appropriate wire sizes, circuit breaker ratings, and prevents overload conditions that could cause fires.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, power is calculated as P = √3 × V × I × PF. This calculator is designed for single-phase DC calculations.