kVA to Amperage Calculator

Convert kilovolt-amperes to amperes for electrical systems

Electrical Power Conversion

Select the electrical system configuration

kVA

Apparent power in kilovolt-amperes

V

System voltage

Calculation Results

Current (Amperage)

104.17 A
Current type:Very High Current
Heavy industrial equipment

Wire Size Recommendation

Minimum size:2 AWG
Material:Copper
110A circuit
⚠️ Consult NEC and local codes for final wire sizing

Formula used: I = S / V

Calculation: I = 50 kVA ÷ 0.480 kV = 104.17 A

Load distribution: Single Phase

Important Notes

📐 Formula explanation: Current equals apparent power divided by voltage (adjusted for phase configuration)
Three-phase advantage: Three-phase systems carry more power at lower current per conductor
🔧 Wire sizing: Always include safety factors and consult electrical codes for final wire selection
🏭 Applications: Used for transformer sizing, circuit design, and electrical load calculations

Example Calculation

Example: 50 kVA transformer at 480V three-phase

Given:

• Apparent Power (S) = 50 kVA

• Voltage (V) = 480V (line-to-line)

• System = Three-phase

Calculation Steps

I = S / (√3 × V)

I = 50 kVA / (√3 × 0.48 kV)

I = 50 / (1.732 × 0.48)

I = 50 / 0.831

I = 60.17 A

Formula Quick Reference

Single-Phase
I = S / V
Simple division
Three-Phase (L-L)
I = S / (√3 × V)
Line-to-line voltage
Three-Phase (L-N)
I = S / (3 × V)
Line-to-neutral voltage

Common Applications

Residential Service100-200A
Small Commercial200-800A
Industrial800A+
Motor Starters10-400A

Standard Voltages

120/240VResidential
208/120VCommercial
480/277VIndustrial
4160VMedium Voltage

Safety Tips

Always de-energize circuits before working

📏

Include 25% safety factor for wire sizing

🔧

Consider temperature derating factors

📖

Always consult local electrical codes

Understanding kVA to Amperage Conversion

Apparent Power vs Current

kVA (kilovolt-amperes) represents apparent power, which is the total power in an AC electrical system. Current (amperage) is the actual flow of electrical charge. Converting kVA to amperage helps determine the current requirements for electrical systems and proper wire sizing.

Phase Configurations

  • Single-phase: Common in residential applications
  • Three-phase: More efficient for industrial use
  • Line-to-line: Voltage between any two phases
  • Line-to-neutral: Voltage from phase to neutral

Practical Applications

Transformer Sizing:

• Determine primary and secondary current ratings

• Size protection devices and disconnect switches

• Calculate wire and conduit requirements


Load Analysis:

• Electrical panel load calculations

• Motor starting current estimation

• Power distribution planning

Safety Considerations

  • Wire Sizing: Include safety factors and derating
  • Protection: Proper overcurrent protection devices
  • Code Compliance: Follow NEC and local requirements
  • Load Factor: Consider demand and diversity factors