1. What is Electrical Power?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic 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 power is directly proportional to both voltage and current in a DC circuit or in AC circuits with resistive loads.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, energy consumption analysis, and proper sizing of electrical components and 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 DC and AC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC circuits with reactive components, power factor must be considered: P = V × I × PF.

Q2: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: LED bulbs: 5-20W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric heater: 1000-2000W.

Q3: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Power is the rate, energy is the total consumption over time.

Q4: What safety considerations are important for power calculations?
A: Ensure components can handle calculated power, use proper wire sizing, and install appropriate circuit protection devices.

Q5: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, use P = √3 × V × I × PF, where V is line voltage and I is line current.