1. What is Electrical Power?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental electrical power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula calculates the electrical power consumed or produced in a circuit by multiplying the voltage across the circuit by the current flowing through it.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, electrical safety assessments, and determining the capacity requirements for 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 AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC circuits with resistive loads, it's the same, but for reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

Q2: How is power related to energy?
A: Power is the rate of energy consumption. Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours).

Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: LED bulb: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric heater: 1000-2000W.

Q4: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, power = √3 × V × I × power factor, where V is line voltage and I is line current.

Q5: What safety considerations are important for power calculations?
A: Ensure components can handle calculated power, consider heat dissipation, and follow electrical codes for wire sizing and circuit protection.