Wattage to Amperage Calculator

Calculate current, power, and voltage in DC and AC electrical circuits

Electrical Circuit Calculator

Direct Current (DC) - constant voltage and current

Electrical power consumed or supplied

Circuit voltage (RMS for AC)

Calculation Results

12.500 A
Current (I)
1.500 kW
Power (P)
120.000 V
Voltage (V)
9.600 Ω
Resistance (R)
Ohm's Law: V = I × R
0.104167 S
Conductance (G)
G = 1/R

Formula used: P = V × I

Circuit: Direct Current (DC) - constant voltage and current

Example Calculations

DC Circuit Example

Given: Power = 1500 W, Voltage = 120 V (DC)

Formula: I = P ÷ V

Calculation: I = 1500 W ÷ 120 V

Result: I = 12.5 A

Analysis: Standard household appliance current

AC Single Phase Example

Given: Power = 2400 W, Voltage = 240 V, PF = 0.8

Formula: I = P ÷ (V × PF)

Calculation: I = 2400 W ÷ (240 V × 0.8)

Result: I = 12.5 A

Analysis: Common for resistive-inductive loads

AC Three Phase Example

Given: Power = 5000 W, Voltage = 400 V (L-L), PF = 0.9

Formula: I = P ÷ (√3 × V × PF)

Calculation: I = 5000 W ÷ (√3 × 400 V × 0.9)

Result: I = 8.01 A per phase

Analysis: Industrial motor application

Common Electrical Values

ApplicationVoltage
Car Battery12 V DC
USB Charging5 V DC
US Household120 V AC
EU Household230 V AC
US 3-Phase208/480 V
EU 3-Phase400 V
High Voltage11-33 kV
Transmission110-765 kV

Power Factor Guide

Unity (1.0)

Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent bulbs)

Good (0.9-0.95)

Well-designed systems, corrected loads

Fair (0.8-0.9)

Typical inductive loads, motors

Poor (<0.8)

Heavily inductive, needs correction

Electrical Formulas

DC Power

P = V × I = I² × R = V²/R

AC Single Phase

P = V × I × PF

S = V × I (Apparent Power)

AC Three Phase

P = √3 × V × I × PF (L-L)

P = 3 × V × I × PF (L-N)

Ohm's Law

V = I × R

I = V/R, R = V/I

Understanding Electrical Calculations

Basic Electrical Principles

Electrical power represents the rate of energy transfer in an electrical circuit. The relationship between power (watts), voltage (volts), and current (amperes) forms the foundation of electrical calculations and is governed by fundamental laws.

DC vs AC Circuits

  • DC: Constant voltage and current, simple P = V × I
  • AC: Alternating voltage/current, requires power factor
  • Three-phase: More efficient for high-power applications

Power Factor Importance

Power factor is crucial in AC circuits as it represents the efficiency of power usage. A low power factor means more current is needed to deliver the same power, resulting in higher energy costs and system losses.

Safety Considerations

Current Rating: Ensure wires and components can handle calculated current
Voltage Drop: Consider resistance in long cable runs
Derating: Apply safety factors for continuous operation
Protection: Use appropriate fuses and circuit breakers

Circuit Types and Applications

DC Applications

  • • Battery-powered devices and vehicles
  • • Solar panels and energy storage systems
  • • Electronics and computer systems
  • • LED lighting and control systems

AC Applications

  • • Household appliances and lighting
  • • Industrial motors and machinery
  • • Power transmission and distribution
  • • HVAC systems and large equipment

Real-World Examples

Household Applications

  • • Microwave (1500W): ~12.5A at 120V
  • • Electric kettle (1800W): ~15A at 120V
  • • Hair dryer (1200W): ~10A at 120V
  • • LED bulb (10W): ~0.08A at 120V

Industrial Applications

  • • 10 HP motor: ~14A at 480V 3-phase
  • • Arc welder: 60-200A at various voltages
  • • Industrial heater: 50-500A depending on power
  • • Large pump: 25-100A at 480V 3-phase