1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = I × V) calculates electrical power in watts by multiplying current in amperes by voltage in volts. It's a fundamental formula in electrical engineering and physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: This equation demonstrates the direct relationship between current, voltage, and power in electrical circuits.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes and voltage in volts. 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 = I × V directly. For AC circuits, power factor must be considered: P = I × V × PF.

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (in watts) × Time (in hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.

Q3: Can this be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, power = √3 × I × V × PF. This calculator is for single-phase DC or resistive AC circuits.

Q4: What are typical household appliance power ratings?
A: LED bulbs: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-800W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric kettle: 1500-3000W.

Q5: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Knowing power consumption helps determine appropriate wire sizes, circuit breaker ratings, and prevents overload conditions that could cause fires.