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Single-phase Power Formula:
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Single-phase power is an electrical system where the voltage varies simultaneously. It is commonly used in residential and light commercial applications for powering smaller loads like lighting, heating, and small motors.
The calculator uses the single-phase power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates real power consumption in AC circuits, accounting for the phase difference between voltage and current through the power factor.
Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, load analysis, energy consumption estimation, circuit protection sizing, and equipment selection.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be positive, with power factor between 0 and 1 inclusive.
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage. A lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power, leading to higher energy losses.
Q2: What are typical power factor values?
A: Residential loads typically have power factors between 0.85-0.95. Industrial motors can range from 0.7-0.9. Pure resistive loads have a power factor of 1.0.
Q3: When is single-phase power used vs three-phase?
A: Single-phase is used for smaller loads (up to about 10 kW) in homes and small businesses. Three-phase is used for larger industrial and commercial applications.
Q4: How does power factor affect electrical bills?
A: Many commercial and industrial customers pay penalties for low power factor, as it increases the current required and strains the electrical distribution system.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, omit the power factor (use 1.0) since there is no phase difference between voltage and current in DC systems.